Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine (patient information)
About the Diseases
Tetanus and diphtheria are serious diseases. Tetanus is caused by a germ that enters the body through a cut or wound. Diphtheria spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others.
TETANUS (Lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to locking of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 out of 10 cases.
DIPHTHERIA causes a thick covering in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death.
Benefits of the vaccines
Vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus and diphtheria. Because of vaccination, there are many fewer cases of these diseases. Cases are rare in children because most get DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis) or DT (Diphtheria and Tetanus) vaccines. There would be many more cases if we stopped vaccinating people.
When should you get Td vaccine
Td is made for people 7 years of age and older.
People who have not gotten at least 3 doses of any tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (DTP, DTaP or DT) during their lifetime should do so using Td. After a person gets the third dose, a Td dose is needed every 10 years all through life.
Other vaccines may be given at the same time as Td.
Tell your doctor or nurse if the person getting the vaccine:
- ever had a serious allergic reaction or other problem with Td, or any other tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (DTP, DTaP or DT)
- now has a moderate or severe illness
- is pregnant
What are the risks from Td vaccine
As with any medicine, there are very small risks that serious problems, even death, could occur after getting a vaccine. The risks from the vaccine are much smaller than the risks from the diseases if people stopped using vaccine. Almost all people who get Td have no problems from it.
Mild Problems:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
- If these problems occur, they usually start within hours to a day or two after vaccination. They may last 1-2 days.
- These problems can be worse in adults who get Td vaccine very often. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (non-aspirin pain relievers) may be used to reduce soreness.
Severe Problems:
- Serious allergic reaction
- Deep, aching pain and muscle wasting in upper arm(s), This starts 2 days to 4 weeks after the shot, and may last many months.
What if there is a serious reaction
What should I do?
- Call a doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
- Ask your health care provider to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form if you have any reaction to the vaccine. Or call VAERS yourself at 1-800-822-7967, or visit their website at http://vaers.hhs.gov.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
In the rare event that you or your child has a serious reaction to a vaccine, a federal program has been created to help pay for the care of those who have been harmed.
For details about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, call 1-800-338-2382 or visit the program's website at http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.
How can I learn more
- Ask your doctor or other health care provider. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.
- Call your local or state health department's immunization program.
- Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or visit the National Immunization Program's website at http://www.cdc.gov/nip
Td Vaccine Information Statement. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Program. 6/10/1994.
Brand names
- Decavac®
Other names
- Td