TETANUS AND DIPHTHERIA VACCINE (Td)

What you need to know:

ABOUT THE DISEASES

Tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria are serious diseases. Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, 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 others.

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.

ABOUT THE VACCINES

Benefits of the vaccines

Vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus and diphtheria.

When should you get Td vaccine?

Td is made for people 7 years of age and older. It is recommended for all susceptible persons, healthcare workers and pregnant women.

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.
Tell your doctor or nurse if the person getting the vaccine:
• ever had a serious allergic reaction or other problem with Td, or any other tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (DTP, DTaP or DT)
• now has a moderate or severe illness
• is pregnant

What are the risks from Td vaccine?

The risks from the vaccine are much smaller than the risks from the diseases if people stopped using vaccine.

Mild problems
If these problems occur, they usually start within hours to a day or two after vaccination. They may last 1-2 days:
•soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given

Severe problems
These problems happen very rarely:
• serious allergic reaction
• deep, aching pain and muscle wasting in upper arm(s).
This starts 2 days to 4 weeks after the shot, and may last many months.

What to do if there is a serious reaction:

* Call a doctor or get the person to a doctor right away,

If you want to learn more, ask your doctor or nurse. She/he can give you the vaccine package insert or suggest other
sources of information.

References: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov (accessed February 2008) and Committee on Immunization, Philippine Society for Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (PSMID) & the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV). Handbook on Adult Immunization for Filipinos 2004.

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