Tetanus and diphtheria are very serious diseases. They are rare in the United States today, but people who do become infected often have severe complications. Td vaccine is used to protect adolescents and adults from both of these diseases. Both tetanus and diphtheria are infections caused by bacteria. Diphtheria spreads from person to person through coughing or sneezing. Tetanus-causing bacteria enter the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds.
TETANUS(Lockjaw) causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness, usually all over the body. It can lead to tightening of muscles in the head and neck so you can't open your mouth, swallow, or sometimes even breathe. Tetanus kills about 1 out of every 10 people who are infected even after receiving the best medical care.
DIPHTHERIAcan cause a thick coating to form in the back of the throat. It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and death.
Before vaccines, as many as 200,000 cases of diphtheria and hundreds of cases of tetanus were reported in the United States each year. Since vaccination began, reports of cases for both diseases have dropped by about 99%.
Td vaccine can protect adolescents and adults from tetanus and diphtheria. Td is usually given as a booster dose every 10 years but it can also be given earlier after a severe and dirty wound or burn.
Another vaccine, called Tdap, which protects against pertussis in addition to tetanus and diphtheria, is sometimes recommended instead of Td vaccine. Your doctor or the person giving you the vaccine can give you more information.
Td may safely be given at the same time as other vaccines.
A person who has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a previous dose of any tetanus or diphtheria containing vaccine, OR has a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, should not get Td.Tell the person giving the vaccine about any severe allergies.
Talk to your doctor if you:
With any medicine, including vaccines, there is a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own.
Serious reactions are also possible but are rare.
Most people who get Td vaccine do not have any problems with it.
Mild Problems following Td vaccine:(Did not interfere with activities)
Moderate Problems following Td vaccine:(Interfered with activities, but did not require medical attention)
Severe Problems following Td vaccine:(Unable to perform usual activities; required medical attention)
Problems that could happen after any vaccine:
As with any medicine, there is a very small chance of a vaccine causing a serious injury or death. The safety of vaccines is always being monitored. For more information, visit: Web Site.
What should I look for?
What should I do?
VAERS does not give medical advice.
The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) is a federal program that was created to compensate people who may have been injured by certain vaccines.
Persons who believe they may have been injured by a vaccine can learn about the program and about filing a claim by calling1-800-338-2382or visiting the VICP website at Web Site. There is a time limit to file a claim for compensation.
Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) Vaccine Information Statement. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Program. 4/11/2017.