Tetanus Vaccination
TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA (Td) or TETANUS, DIPHTHERIA, PERTUSSIS (Tdap) VACCINE WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
1. Why get vaccinated?
Children 6 years of age and younger are routinely vaccinated against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. But older children, adolescents, and adults need protection from these diseases too. Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) and Tdap (Tetanus, Diphthe ria, Pertussis) vaccines provide that protection.
TETANUS (Lockjaw) causes painful muscle spasms, usually all over the body.
It can lead to tightening of the jaw muscles so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus kills about 1 out of 5 people who are infected.
DIPHTHERIA causes a thick covering in the back of the throat. • It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, and even death.
PERTUSSIS (Whooping Cough) causes severe coughing spells, vomiting, and disturbed sleep.
It can lead to weight loss, incontinence, rib fractures and passing out from violent coughing. Up to 2 in 100 adoles- cents and 5 in 100 adults with pertussis are hospitalized or have complications, including pneumonia.
These three diseases are all caused by bacteria. Diphtheria and pertussis are spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds.
The United States averaged more than 1,300 cases of tetanus and 175,000 cases of diphtheria each year before vaccines. Since vaccines have been available, tetanus cases have fallen by over 96% and diphtheria cases by over 99.9%.
Before 2005, only children younger than than 7 years of age could get pertussis vaccine. In 2004 there were more than 8,000 cases of pertussis in the U.S. among adolescents and more than 7,000 cases among adults.
2. Td and Tdap vaccines
Td vaccine has been used for many years. It protects against tetanus and diphtheria.
Tdap was licensed in 2005. It is the first vaccine for ado- lescents and adults that protects against all three diseases.
These vaccines can be used in three ways: 1) as catch-up for people who did not get all their doses of DTaP or DTP when they were children, 2) as a booster dose every 10 years, and 3) for protection against tetanus infection after a wound.
3. Which vaccine, and when?
Routine: Adolescents 11 through 18
Routine: Adults 19 and Older
New mothers who have never gotten Tdap should get a dose as soon as possible after delivery. If vaccination is needed during pregnancy, Td is usually preferred over Tdap.
Protection After a Wound
A person who gets a severe cut or burn might need a dose of Td or Tdap to prevent tetanus infection. Tdap may be used for people who have never had a dose. But Td should be used if Tdap is not available, or for:
Tdap and Td may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
4. Some people should not be vaccinated or should wait
Note: At this time, Tdap is licensed for only one lifetime dose per person. Td is given every 10 years, and more often if needed.
Talk to your provider if the person getting either vaccine:
5. What are the risks from Tdap and Td vaccines?
With a vaccine (as with any medicine) there is always a small risk of a life-threatening allergic reaction or other serious problem.
Getting tetanus, diphtheria or pertussis would be much more likely to lead to severe problems than getting either vaccine.
Problems reported after Td and Tdap vaccines are listed below.
6. What if there is a severe reaction?
What should I look for?
What should I do?
VAERS does not provide medical advice.
7. The National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
A federal program exists to help pay for the care of anyone who has a serious reaction to a vaccine.
For details about the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, call 1-800-338-2382 or visit their website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation.
8. How can I learn more?
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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