Every 10 years. The average adult should receive a booster shot for Tetanus-diphtheria every 10 years. This vaccine, also known as the Tdap vaccine, helps to prevent adult whooping cough, which can be a very serious disease. It is also recommended that women receive a booster shot during every one of their pregnancies in order to help protect the fetus from this disease.
For newborn babies, whooping cough can be life-threatening, so if you have a new baby, it is vital that you ensure everyone interacting with your baby is up to date on their Tdap vaccines. And even if you do not have any newborns in your family, ensure that all of your family members receive a booster shot every 10 years.