Tetanus & Diptheria Vaccine (TD)

Why get vaccinated?

Tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria are serious diseases. Tetanus is caused  by a germ that enters the body through a cut or wound. Tetanus causes serious painful spasms of all the muscles. It can lead to: "locking" of the jaw , so the patient cannot open his or her mouth or swallow. Diphtheria spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat of others. Diphtheria causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, or airway. It can lead to: breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and death.

Why should I get vaccinated?

Vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus and diphtheria. Because of vaccination, there are many fewer cases of these diseases.

When should you get Td vaccine?

Td is made for people 7 years of age or 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.

Be sure to tell your health care practitioner 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), has a moderate or severe illness when the shot is scheduled, or is pregnant.

What are the risk of Td vaccine?

As with any medicine, there are very small risk that serious problems, even death, could occur after getting a vaccine.

The risk from the vaccine are much smaller than the risk from the diseases if people stopped using the vaccine.   Almost all people who get Td have no problems with 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 ( this is very common). 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 arms(s), this starts 2 days to 4 weeks after the shot, and may last many months.

What should I do if there is a serious problem?

Call your health care provider or get the person to a doctor right away. Tell the health care provider what happened and what time it happened and the date that the shot was given. Ask your health care provider to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report  (VAER) form or call yourself at 1-800-822-7967.

CDC/ National Immunization Program