# Td Vaccine

**What You Need to Know** ( Tetanus and Diphtheria) Many Vaccine Information Statements are available in Spanish and other languages. See www.immunize.org/vis Hojas de información sobre vacunas están disponibles en español y en muchos otros idiomas. Visite www.immunize.org/vis


# 1 Why get vaccinated?

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 5 people who are infected.
DIPHTHERIA can 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, the United States saw as many as 200,000 cases a year of diphtheria and hundreds of cases of tetanus. Since vaccination began, cases of both diseases have dropped by about 99%. 

# 2 Td vaccine
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. Your doctor can give you more information. Td may safely be given at the same time as other vaccines. 

# 3 Some people should not get this vaccine

• If you ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after

a dose of any tetanus or diphtheria containing vaccine, OR if you have a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, you should not get Td. Tell your doctor if you have any severe allergies.

• Talk to your doctor if you:

- have epilepsy or another nervous system problem, - had severe pain or swelling after any vaccine

containing diphtheria or tetanus, - ever had Guillain Barré Syndrome (GBS), - aren’t feeling well on the day the shot is scheduled. 

# 4 Risks of a vaccine reaction
With a vaccine, like any medicine, there is a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own. Serious side effects are also possible, but are very rare. Most people who get Td vaccine do not have any problems with it.
Mild Problems following Td (Did not interfere with activities)

• Pain where the shot was given (about 8 people in 10)

• Redness or swelling where the shot was given (about 1

person in 3)

• Mild fever (about 1 person in 15)

• Headache or Tiredness (uncommon) Moderate Problems following Td (Interfered with activities, but did not require medical attention)

• Fever over 102°F (rare)
Severe Problems following Td (Unable to perform usual activities; required medical attention)

• Swelling, severe pain, bleeding and/or redness in the

arm where the shot was given (rare).Problems that could happen after any vaccine:

• Brief fainting spells can happen after any medical

procedure, including vaccination. Sitting or lying down for about 15 minutes can help prevent fainting, and injuries caused by a fall. Tell your doctor if you feel dizzy, or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

• Severe shoulder pain and reduced range of motion

in the arm where a shot was given can happen, very rarely, after a vaccination.

• Severe allergic reactions from a vaccine are very rare,

estimated at less than 1 in a million doses. If one were to occur, it would usually be within a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination.



# 5 What if there is a serious reaction?

What should I look for?

• Look for anything that concerns you, such as signs of

a severe allergic reaction, very high fever, or behavior changes. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, and weakness. These would usually start a few minutes to a few hours after the vaccination. What should I do?

• If you think it is a severe allergic reaction or other

emergency that can’t wait, call 9-1-1 or get the person to the nearest hospital. Otherwise, call your doctor.

• Afterward, the reaction should be reported to the

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your doctor might file this report, or you can do it yourself through the VAERS web site at www.vaers. hhs.gov , or by calling 1-800-822-7967

. VAERS is only for reporting reactions. They do not give medical advice. 

# 6 The National V accine Injury Compensation Program
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 calling 1-800-338-2382 or visiting the VICP website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation

. 

# 7 How can I learn more?

• Ask your doctor.

• Call your local or state health department.

• Contact the Centers for Disease Control and

Prevention (CDC): - Call 1-800-232-4636 ( 1-800-CDC-INFO ) - Visit CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/vaccines



### Vaccine Information Statement (Interim) 

# Td Vaccine

42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26 2/04/2014 Office Use Only