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Tetanus Diphtheria and Pertussis
Vaccine (Tdap)
Boostrix® and Adacel®
What is tetanus?
- Tetanus (also known as lock jaw) is caused by a bacteria
which produces a poison (toxin).
- Tetanus spores are spread through a wound, bite or burn.
- Tetanus causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually
all over the body.
- About 10% of people with tetanus will die.
What is diphtheria?
- Diphtheria is caused by a bacteria which produces a poison (toxin).
- The bacteria is spread by nasal droplets.
- The toxin damages the lining of the nose and throat,making breathing difficult or impossible.
- It can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and even death.
- About 10% of people with diphtheria will die.
What is pertussis?
- Pertussis (whooping cough) is caused by a bacteria.
- Pertussis is spread by cough and nasal droplets.
- Pertussis can cause severe coughing spells, making it
difficult for infants to eat, drink or breathe. Coughing can last for weeks.
What does Tdap vaccine contain?
Boostrix®
- Tdap vaccine contains tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid,
3 purified pertussis antigens,aluminum salts, 2-phenoxyethanol, and trace amounts of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde.
- The rubber stopper in the pre-filled syringe contains latex.
- Licensed for adults and children 4 years and older as a
booster vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
Adacel®
- Contains tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, 3 purified pertussis antigens, aluminum phosphate, 2-phenoxyethanol and trace amounts of formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde.
- Does not contain latex.
- Licensed for adults and children age 4 to 64 years as a booster vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis.
Who should receive the vaccine?
- Students in grade 8 receive Tdap as a booster as part of the provincially funded program.
- Adults may choose to purchase this vaccine as a booster.
Who should not receive the vaccine?
- Anyone under 4 years of age.
- Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to
any of the vaccine components.
- People with moderate to severe illness may have to delay
immunization.
When should the vaccine be given?
- As a booster dose for protection against diptheria, tetanus and pertussis.
- May be safely given with other vaccines.
How is the vaccine given?
- By injection into a muscle.
How effective is the vaccine?
- About 85% of people who receive the vaccine are
protected within 4 weeks.
How long does the protection last?
- Unknown; at least 10 years for the Td portion.
- Subsequent doses are not currently recommended.
What might be felt after receiving the vaccine?
Very Common (10% or greater):
- Pain, redness or swelling at injection site.
- Tiredness, headache, fever, dizziness, achiness, chills.
Common (between 1 and 10%):
- Nausea, vomiting, rash, sore or swollen joints, lymph node swelling.
Very Rare (less than 0.01%):
- Severe local or systemic reactions such as allergic or neurological complications.
Call one of the numbers below if you have severe or unusual reactions.
For more information contact Public Health Services at:
- International Travel Centre: (306) 655-4780
- North Health Centre: (306) 655-4700
- Our Neighbourhood Health Centre: (306) 655-4950
- South East Health Centre: (306) 655-4730
- West Winds Primary Health Centre: (306) 655-4275
©2008, Saskatoon Health Region. Reproduced only by permission.
(Updated June 8, 2009)
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