Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine (Td)

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

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 another.

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

Benefits of the Vaccines

Vaccination is the best way to protect against Tetanus and Diphtheria. Because of the vaccinations, there are many fewer cases of these diseases. Cases are rare in children because most get DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis), DTaP (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. Check out our vaccination schedule in "1st Year Schedule"

Tell your CMP provider if the person getting the vaccine:

What are the risks from Td vaccine?

As with any medication, 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 associated with the diseases if people stopped being vaccinated. Almost everyone who has a Td vaccination experience no problems from it.

**Information courtesy of U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, the Center for Disease Control and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

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