Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td)

Diphtheria and tetanus are serious illnesses caused by bacteria.

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

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful muscle tightening, which can result in the jaw "locking," making it impossible for the person to open their mouth, swallow, or breathe. Tetanus can also lead to death.

Diphtheria spreads from one person to another. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds.

The tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (also known as Td) is used to help prevent these diseases. This vaccine helps your body build immunity to the diseases but will not treat an active infection you already have.

Td vaccine is for adults and children who are at least 7 years old.

Like any vaccine, the Td vaccine may not protect every person from disease.

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

This vaccine is usually given as a series of 3 shots. The timing of the shots depends on which Td vaccine you receive. Follow your vaccination provider's schedule.

A booster shot is also recommended for children who are 11 or 12 years old, and again every 10 years throughout adulthood.

If it has been longer than 5 years since your last booster, you may need an emergency booster shot if you have been exposed to tetanus through a skin wound.

Be sure to receive all recommended doses of this vaccine or you may not be fully protected against disease. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

Becoming infected with Tetanus or diphtheria is much more harmful to your health than getting this vaccine.

You should not get this vaccine if you have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a diphtheria or tetanus vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine.

Inform your vaccination provider if you have or have ever had:

• an allergy to latex;
• an allergic reaction;
• severe pain or swelling after getting a vaccine that contains tetanus;
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (within 6 weeks after receiving the vaccine); or
• a weak immune system (caused by disease, certain medicines, chemotherapy, or radiation).

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor or vaccination provider should decide if you need a Td vaccine.

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

You should not receive a booster vaccine if you had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of all side effects you experience. If you need a booster dose, you must inform the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with tetanus or diphtheria is 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 low.

Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe pain, swelling, or redness where the shot was given;
• severe dizziness or fainting; or
• nervous system problems—numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, burning or prickly feelings, vision or hearing problems, trouble breathing.

Common side effects include:

• redness, pain, or swelling where the shot was given;
• joint pain, muscle weakness; or
• headache, feeling unwell.

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

Usual Pediatric Dose for Diphtheria Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL intramuscularly in a 5-dose series (at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months, and at 4 to 6 years)Comments:-The first dose may be given at 6 weeks of age.Use: Active immunization against diphtheria and tetanus in children from 6 weeks to 6 years

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tetanus Prophylaxis:

0.5 mL intramuscularly in a 5-dose series (at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months, and at 4 to 6 years)Comments:-The first dose may be given at 6 weeks of age.Use: Active immunization against diphtheria and tetanus in children from 6 weeks to 6 years

Contact your vaccination provider if you miss a booster dose or if you fall behind schedule. You should receive the next dose as soon as you can. There is no need to start the series over.

An overdose of this vaccine is not likely to happen.

Follow your doctor's advice regarding any limits on food, drinks, or activities.

Before getting this vaccine, inform your vaccination provider about all other vaccines you have had recently.

Also, tell the vaccination provider if you have recently taken any medications or undergone treatments that can weaken your immune system, such as:

• steroids;
• medicines for psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or
• medicines for cancer or to prevent organ transplant rejection.

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

This list is not exhaustive. Other drugs may interact with the tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are included here.