Medications

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Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

Brand Name(s): Decavac® (as a combination product containing Diphtheria, Tetanus Toxoids), Tenivac® (as a combination product containing Diphtheria, Tetanus Toxoids), Td; also available generically

Other Name(s):Td

Why get vaccinated?

Td vaccine can prevent tetanus and diphtheria.

Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Diphtheria spreads from person to person.

TETANUS (T) causes painful stiffening of the muscles. Tetanus can lead to serious health problems, including being unable to open the mouth, having trouble swallowing and breathing, or death.

DIPHTHERIA (D) can lead to difficulty breathing, heart failure, paralysis, or death.

What is Td vaccine?

Td is only for children 7 years and older, adolescents, and adults.

Td is usually given as a booster dose every 10 years, or after 5 years in the case of a severe or dirty wound or burn.

Another vaccine, called "Tdap," may be used instead of Td. Tdap protects against pertussis, also known as "whooping cough," in addition to tetanus and diphtheria.

Talk with your healthcare provider

Tell your vaccination provider if the person getting the vaccine:

Has had an allergic reaction after a previous dose of any vaccine that protects against tetanus or diphtheria, or has any severe, life-threatening allergies
Has ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (also called "GBS")
Has had severe pain or swelling after a previous dose of any vaccine that protects against tetanus or diphtheria

In some cases, your health care provider may decide to postpone Td vaccination until a future visit.

People with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. People who are moderately or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting Td vaccine.

Your health care provider can give you more information.

What are the risks of a vaccine reaction?

Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, mild fever, headache, feeling tired, and nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomachache sometimes happen after Td vaccination.

People sometimes faint after medical procedures, including vaccination. Tell your provider if you feel dizzy or have vision changes or ringing in the ears.

As with any medicine, there is a very remote chance of a vaccine causing a severe allergic reaction, other serious injury, or death.

What if there is a serious reaction?

An allergic reaction could occur after the vaccinated person leaves the clinic. If you see signs of a severe allergic reaction (hives, swelling of the face and throat, difficulty breathing, a fast heartbeat, dizziness, or weakness), call 9-1-1 and get the person to the nearest hospital.

For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider.

For other signs that concern you, call your health care provider. Adverse reactions should be reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). Your health care provider will usually file this report, or you can do it yourself. Visit the VAERS website at http://www.vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

The National Vaccine 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. Claims regarding alleged injury or death due to vaccination have a time limit for filing, which may be as short as two years. Visit the VICP website at www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation or call 1-800-338-2382 to learn about the program and about filing a claim.

How can I learn more?

Ask your healthcare provider.
Call your local or state health department.
Visit the website of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for vaccine package inserts and additional information at http://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/vaccines.
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Call 1-800-232-4636 (1-800-CDC-INFO) or visit CDC's website at http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines.

Td (Tetanus, Diphtheria) Vaccine Information Statement. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Immunization Program.8/6/2021.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

Selected Revisions November 15, 2021, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists® 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 USA. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.