Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine
Vaccine brands: Td ADSORBED
Tetanus (Lockjaw)
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
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.
Recommendations for use
Td is a two-in-one vaccine that provides protection against tetanus and diptheria. Everyone should be vaccinated against tetanus and diphtheria. Most people are vaccinated against these diseases in early childhood along with other diseases such as pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Currently in Ontario, booster doses of Td vaccine are recommended for adults every 10 years. For adults who have not received a tetanus booster containing pertussis, one dose of the Tdap should replace a dose of Td. This Tdap immunization can administered regardless of the interval since the last dose of Td vaccine. A Td booster is recommended every 10 years afterward for continued protection.
Vaccine side effects
Common side effects of this vaccine are redness, soreness or swelling at the injection site. These reactions are usually mild and last only a few days. Other mild reactions include fever, loss of appetite, headache and muscle aches. Most people have no serious reactions from this combined vaccine.
Who should NOT get the vaccine
- Children below the age of 7 years.
- Adults who have had a tetanus shot in the last five years.
- Individuals who have had a severe allergy, neurologica reaction, or Guillian Barre within 6 weeks post immunization, to a previous dose of a vaccine containing tetanus or diptheria.
- Individuals who have moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever.
This vaccine is safe for individuals with medical conditions that impair the body's immune system.
Your record of protection
After you receive an immunization, make sure your healthcare 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 to KFL&A Public Health online or by calling 613-549-1232. 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 Online Immunization Reporting.