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Quick facts
Recommended for
General population
Frequency
1 dose every 10 years
What are tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis)?
Tetanus
Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a dangerous nerve ailment caused by the toxin of a common bacterium often found in soil. This bacterium can also exist in environments as diverse as animal excrement, house dust and operating rooms. It enters the body through cuts, scratches or wounds. Tetanus causes painful muscle tightening and stiffness throughout the body but most commonly involves the jaw and neck.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a highly contagious disease caused by bacteria and is spread by coughing and sneezing. It is a respiratory disease that typically causes a sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. It can also cause paralysis, heart failure and death.
Whooping cough (pertussis)
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a highly contagious illness spread by contact with droplets coughed out by someone with the disease or by contact with recently contaminated hard surfaces upon which the droplets have landed. Early symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion and sneezing. After this stage, the most common symptom is intense bouts of coughing in which the gasping person makes a “whoop” sound when inhaling between coughs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the Tdap and Td vaccines?
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis)
The Tdap vaccine can protect adolescents and adults against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis).Td (tetanus and diphtheria)
The Td (tetanus booster) vaccine can protect against tetanus and diphtheria and has been used for many years as booster doses for adolescents and adults. A related vaccine is DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (pertussis); not available at Walgreens), which is routinely administered as five doses spread between infancy and children ages 4–6 years to protect against the same three diseases.
To learn more about the Tdap and Td vaccines from the CDC, visit the CDC websiteopens in a new tab or download the following documents:
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) (PDF)›opens in a new tab
- Who should get the Tdap and Td vaccines?
- Adolescents should receive a routine dose of Tdap at age 11–12 years.
- Adults ages 19+ who have not received Tdap should get a dose of Tdap and a booster of Tdap or Td every 10 years.
- Pregnant women should receive a Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to protect their infants who are most at risk for severe, life-threatening complications from whooping cough (pertussis). New mothers who have never gotten Tdap should get a dose as soon as possible after delivery. Tdap is also recommended for people who come in close contact with infants, such as relatives.
- Anyone who gets a severe cut or burn might need a dose of Td or Tdap to prevent tetanus infection. Depending on how long it has been since the person last received a tetanus-containing vaccine, they may also need to receive tetanus immune globulin. It’s best that the person who is at potential risk follow up with their healthcare provider as soon as possible to see what the correct course of treatment is for them.
- Who should not get the Tdap and Td vaccines?
- Anyone who has had a severe reaction (for example, anaphylaxis) to any vaccine component after a previous dose of DTaP, DT, Td or Tdap
- Anyone who developed encephalopathy (for example, been in a coma, had prolonged seizures, or experienced a decreased level of consciousness) within 7 days after a dose of DTaP should not get Tdap, unless a cause other than the vaccine was found (these patients can get Td)
Talk with your healthcare provider if you have:
- A moderate or severe acute illness with or without fever
- Had Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks after a previous dose of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine
- A history of reactions after a previous dose of tetanus or diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine
- A history of neurologic disorder, uncontrollable seizures or encephalopathy
- What are the side effects of the Tdap and Td vaccines?
Mild-to-moderate problems:
- Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
- Deep, aching pain and loss of muscle strength in the upper arm
Serious allergic reactions, with symptoms including:
- Swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Hives
- Pale skin
- Fast heartbeat
- Dizziness
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce fever. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any unexpected or worsening reactions after receiving a vaccine.
If you believe you have a medical emergency, please call 911.
References:
Atkinson W, Hamborsky J, McIntyre L, Wolfe S, eds. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases. 10th ed. Washington, DC: Public Health Foundation, 2007.
Vaccine Information Statement: Td or Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria or Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis) Vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). January 24, 2012. www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-td-tdap.pdf. opens in a new tab Accessed February 2013
This publication should be used for general educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Although it is intended to be accurate, neither Walgreen Co., its subsidiaries or affiliates, nor any other party assumes liability for loss or damage due to reliance on this publication.
