Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine

Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine may prevent tetanus and diphtheria that may occur with infection due to C tetani (tetanus) and C diphtheriae (diphtheria).

Infection with C tetani can cause tetanus (painful stiffening of the muscles) and infection with C diphtheriaecan cause diphtheria (difficulty breathing and life-threatening heart failure and paralysis).

Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine does not contain active bacteria. The vaccine works by triggering the body to make antibodies against the toxins produced by these bacteria to provide a defense against potential infection.

Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine comes as a suspension (liquid) to be given intramuscularly (into a muscle) by a healthcare provider.

Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine is given as directed by your healthcare provider.

Tell your vaccine provider if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to this vaccine, any part of this vaccine, any other vaccine or any drug, food or substance. Tell your vaccine provider about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
• are immunocompromised or are receiving immunosuppressive medications, had an Arthrus reaction (a hard, painful, swollen area at the site of injection) after a tetanus toxoid injection or Guillain-Barré syndrome (a nervous system disorder) within six weeks of a tetanus toxoid injection.
• tell your vaccine provider if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

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

Side effects that have been reported with tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine include:

• pain, redness, swelling at the site of injection
• headache
• muscle weakness, joint pain
• tiredness

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

• rash, hives, difficulty breathing or swallowing

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

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 https://vaers.hhs.gov or call 1-800-822-7967. VAERS is only for reporting reactions, and VAERS staff members do not give medical advice.

• Read the Vaccine Information Sheet (VIS) that your vaccine provider will give you or you can obtain it at https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/current-vis/index.html
• Ask your healthcare provider.
• Call your local or state health department.

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