TETANUS AND DIPHTHERIA VACCINE (Td)

What you need to know before you or
your child gets the vaccine

ABOUT THE DISEASES

Tetanus (lockjaw) 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 causes serious, painful spasms of all muscles.
It can lead to:
  • "locking" of the jaw so the patient cannot open his 
    or her mouth or swallow 

Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, 
or airway. It can lead to:
   - breathing problems
   - heart failure
   - paralysis
   - death

ABOUT THE VACCINES

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 DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis),
DTdP (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

If you are not sure, ask your doctor or nurse.

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

If these problems occur, they usually start within
hours to a day or two after vaccination. They
may last 1-2 days:

  •soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given

These problems can be worse in adults who get Td vaccine 
very often.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen (non-aspirin) may be used to 
reduce soreness.

Severe problems

These problems happen very rarely:
  • 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 to do if there is a serious reaction:

  * Call a doctor or get the person to a doctor right away,
  * Write down what happened and the date and time it happened.
  * Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a 
    Vaccine Adverse Event Report form
    or call: (800) 822-7967 (toll-free)

The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program gives 
compensation (payment) for persons thought to be injured 
by vaccines. For details call: (800) 338-2382 (toll-free)

If you want to learn more, ask your doctor or nurse. She/he 
can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other 
sources of information.


U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH and HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Immunization Program

Vaccine Information Statement
Td 
6/10/94