Adacel is a vaccine that protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It is most commonly given to adolescents and adults.
Tetanus or lockjaw is a rare and often fatal disease that most often occurs when the tetanus bacteria get into a cut in the skin. Tetanus causes severe cramping of the muscles, particularly in the jaw, neck and abdomen. Tetanus bacteria are found everywhere including soil, dust and animal manure and can survive for long periods in the soil.
Diphtheria is serious bacterial disease of the throat, nose, and skin. Infection can cause breathing problems, heart failure, and nerve damage. It is easily spread by coughing and sneezing and direct contact with an infected person. Diphtheria kills up to 10 percent of people who get the disease. Today, diphtheria is rare, due to immunization.
Pertussis or whooping cough is a serious disease that can infect people of any age, but is most dangerous for babies. Infection can spread easily through coughing and sneezing and direct contact with an infected person. Pertussis may cause violent coughing which can last for weeks. Vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures and even brain damage may result. Pneumonia is the most common cause of death, typically in infants less than 6 months of age. One to three deaths related to pertussis occur each year in Canada, particularly in infants who are too young to be immunized or unimmunized or partially immunized children. Immunizing family, friends and caregivers helps to protect babies.
Tetanus immunization is only available in combination vaccines and there are many brands licensed for use in Canada. Adolescents and adults can be protected from all these diseases in the vaccine brand called Adacel® or Boostrix®. This vaccine is free for:
Common side effects among adults include pain, redness, and swelling where the needle was given, headaches and low energy level. Severe allergic reactions and neurological reactions are rare. Signs of severe allergy include hives, swelling of the mouth and throat, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hypotension, and shock.
Very rare, is a condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome, an inflammation of the nerves in the arms and legs that can lead to temporary paralysis after tetanus vaccination.
You should report any side effects or severe vaccine reactions to your health care provider.
This vaccine is safe for people with medical conditions that impair the body's immune system.
After you receive an immunization, make sure your health care provider updates your personal immunization record, such as the "Yellow Card". Keep it in a safe place. If your child is 17 years of age or under and receives this vaccine please report this information online or call 613-549-1232 to report this information to KFL&A Public Health. Health care providers do not automatically send immunization information to KFL&A Public Health. It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to provide this information.
KFL&A Public Health's Online Immunization Reporting
Revised: 2022-04-19