Tetanus & Diphtheria (Td)

About the disease:
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 and throat of others.

Tetanus causes:

bulletserious, painful spasms of all muscles
bulletIt can lead to: "locking" of the jaw so the patient cannot open his or her mouth or swallow

Diphtheria causes:

bulleta thick coating in the nose, throat, or airway
bulletIt 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 DIP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis), or DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus and a cellular 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 through life.  Other vaccines may be given at the same time as Td.

Tell your doctor or nurse if the person getting the vaccine:

bulletever had a serious allergic reaction or other problem with Td, or any other tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (DTP, DTaP or DT)
bulletnow has a moderate or severe illness
bulletis 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 vaccines.

Almost all people who get Td have no problems from it.

Mild Problems

bulletIf these problems occur, they usually start within hours to a day or two after vaccination.  They may last 1-2 days.
bulletSoreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
bulletThese problems can be worse in adults who get Td vaccine very often.
bulletAcetaminophen or ibuprofen (non-aspirin) may be used to reduce soreness.

Severe Problems

bulletThese problems happen very rarely
bulletSerious allergic reaction
bulletdeep, 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:

bulletCall a doctor or get the person to a doctor right away.
bulletWrite down what happened with date and time it happened.
bulletAsk your doctor, nurse, or health department to file a Vaccine Adverse Event Report form or call 1-800-822-7967.

For more information contact your local health department or physician.

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