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.
- Tell your doctor what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
- Ask your doctor, nurse, or health department to report the reaction by filing a Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) form.
Or you can file this report through the VAERS web site at vaers.hhs.gov, or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
VAERS does not provide medical advice
7. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
In the rare event that you or your child has a serious reaction to a vaccine, a federal program has been created to help you pay for the care of those who have been harmed.
For details about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, call 1-800-338-2382 or visit the program's website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation
8. How can I learn more?
- Ask your doctor or nurse. They can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other sources of information.
- Call your local or state health department's immunization program.
- Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or 1-888-443-7232
- Visit the National Immunization Program's website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Immunization Program
Disclaimer: This document is an html version of the CDC's pdf brochure found here. While every effort is made to create an exact duplicate, errors may have occurred in translation from pdf to html.
For your child's health and safety please do not make any vaccination decisions without first consulting your health care provider.