Adacel (Tdap)

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are serious diseases caused by bacteria.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles that can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth, swallow, or breathe. Tetanus can lead to death.

Diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Pertussis (whooping cough) causes severe long-lasting episodes of cough that can interfere with eating, drinking, or breathing. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage, and death.

Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.

The tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis vaccine (also called Tdap) is used to help prevent these diseases in people 10 to 64 years old. Some brands are also approved for use in people 65 years and older.

This vaccine is also used during the third trimester of pregnancy to help prevent pertussis (whooping cough) in babies younger than 2 months old.

Like any vaccine, the Tdap vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Becoming infected with tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis may be much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine.

You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever received a similar vaccine that caused any of the following:

• a severe allergic reaction to a tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine; or
• decreased consciousness, prolonged seizures, or coma within 7 days after receiving a pertussis vaccine.

Tell the vaccination provider if you have or have ever had:

• seizures;
• a weak immune system caused by disease or by taking certain medicines or receiving cancer treatments;
• a brain or nervous system condition that is getting worse or is not stable;
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (within 6 weeks after receiving a tetanus vaccine);
• severe pain or swelling after receiving a tetanus or diphtheria vaccine; or
• received a tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis vaccine within the past 5 years.

Tell your vaccination provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis vaccine on the baby.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Becoming infected with diphtheria, pertussis, or tetanus may be much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

Adacel may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• fainting; or
• nervous system problems--numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, burning or prickly feeling, vision or hearing problems, trouble breathing.

Common side effects of Adacel may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and/or abdominal pain;
• pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given;
• headache or tiredness;
• body aches or muscle weakness; or
• fever.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.

This vaccine is given as a booster dose. You may need additional doses depending on your vaccination history and which vaccine you receive. Follow your vaccination provider's schedule.

If you have a wound that could lead to tetanus, you may need a booster dose if it has been at least 5 years since your last tetanus-containing vaccine.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss your vaccination appointment.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

Follow your vaccination provider's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your vaccination provider about all other vaccines you have recently received.

Also, tell the vaccination provider if you have recently received drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• steroid medicine;
• cancer treatments;
• medicine to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

If you are using any of these medications, you may not be able to receive the vaccine, or may need to wait until the other treatments are finished.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

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