Immunizations Record TDAP

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hrattana

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Sep 4, 2022
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In the immunizations record form stated that
"Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (TDAP)—An updated dose of TDAP is needed if the previous dose is prior to December 31, 2017."

And My DS got Tdap on 04/04/2016. However, his doctor indicated that this booster dose would last for 10 years therefore it should be effective for 3 more years.
He asked me to try to have confirmation. The doctor got to see memo of Polio so he was fine to administer the polio shot but questioned about Tdap.

I tried to contact Health clinic for more info, but have not gotten any response yet.

Any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.
 
As always, your best source for guidance is your Regional Commander, but here is my 2 cents:

There is the right way, the wrong way, and the Army way. Army immunization standards/schedules are different than those recommended by civilian authorities. One of the things we accept when we join the military is that the military is largely in charge of our healthcare.

Unless your doctor thinks there is some increased risk of getting the booster earlier than necessary, beyond the normal risk associated with vaccination, the easiest course of action is to just get the booster.

The Tdap requirement appears to be clear - 4/4/2016 is prior to 12/31/2017. You can try contacting the Health clinic or other medical officials at USMA, but it is unlikely they have the authority to waiver the requirement.
 
You should have the number of the clinic in the request for vaccination (on the form itself). You can ask your cadet candidate to call and ask this question of the clinic. So keep trying with the clinic.
 
DS got his TDAP in May of 2017 and had to get a booster since it was before 12/31/17. Just bring in the form to your doctor that says the Army requires a TDAP shot after 12/31/17.
 
DS and I just went tonight for the TDAP and polio. When I called Monday to schedule, I had to speak to a nurse so she could check his immunization record and of course she told me he was up to date. I explained why he needed them, and she had me send a photo of the requirements and then she called me later that day and let me schedule them. It was a nurse appt, but the doctor had to come in and confirm with DS and then order the injections for the nurse to complete. He understood the polio requirement, but said he looked up the TDAP one prior to our coming in, and found out military was every 7 years instead of 10, due to the possibility of close quarters in unsanitary conditions of military service. He said since service academies are considered active duty it falls into that category.
 
jl123 said:
As always, your best source for guidance is your Regional Commander, but here is my 2 cents:

There is the right way, the wrong way, and the Army way. Army immunization standards/schedules are different than those recommended by civilian authorities. One of the things we accept when we join the military is that the military is largely in charge of our healthcare.

Unless your doctor thinks there is some increased risk of getting the booster earlier than necessary, beyond the normal risk associated with vaccination, the easiest course of action is to just get the booster.

The Tdap requirement appears to be clear - 4/4/2016 is prior to 12/31/2017. You can try contacting the Health clinic or other medical officials at USMA, but it is unlikely they have the authority to waiver the requirement.
Click to expand...
Wise and informative post.
 
Army standards are different than civilian standards (they are stricter). If the portal says to get the shot, get the shot (unless there's a medical reason to avoid it).
 
thank you all for information. I spoke to the nurse again yesterday. Different nurse this time though and she mentioned she got the same request from another patient as well. So, she discussed with DS's doctor and now have the TDAP shot order in placed. DS will get it tomorrow.
 
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