How should the Tdap vaccine be administered to an adult patient?

The Tdap vaccine should be administered intramuscularly, and typically this is done at a 90-degree angle to ensure proper delivery of the vaccine into the muscle tissue. This route and angle facilitate optimal absorption and immune response, which is critical for the effectiveness of the vaccine.

Administering the vaccine intramuscularly allows for a deeper injection compared to other routes. The deltoid muscle of the upper arm is commonly used for adults, as it provides a good site for injection that is easy to access and minimizes the risk of injury to nerves and blood vessels.

The other options are not appropriate for Tdap vaccine administration. The vaccine is not given subcutaneously because that route may not elicit the same immune response as intramuscular administration. Oral administration is not suitable as the vaccine is designed to be delivered directly into the bloodstream through muscle. Additionally, an intranasal route is not applicable for Tdap; that method is reserved for specific vaccines designed for nasal delivery, such as the flu vaccine in certain formulations.