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Tetanus, diphtheria
and Polio Vaccine
(Td-Polio)
What is tetanus?
• Tetanus 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 polio?
• Polio is a very infectious disease caused by a virus.
• Polio is spread by eating or drinking food or water
contaminated by human feces. It can also be spread by
human saliva. It can destroy nerve cells in the spinal cord
that control muscles. When the nerve cell dies, the muscle
becomes weak or paralyzed. The nerve damage is
permanent.
• 80-90% of people with polio have mild or no symptoms.
10-20% have fever, severe headache, stiff neck and back
and deep muscle pain.
• Less than 1% of people with polio will have paralysis.
• 1-4% of people with polio will die
• About 20-80% of people who had polio will develop
post-polio syndrome (a deterioration of the originally
affected muscles).
What does Td-Polio vaccine contain?
• Td-Polio vaccine contains neomycin, polymixin B,
2-phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde, aluminum phosphate.
• Td-Polio packaging does not contain latex.
Who should receive the vaccine?
• Anyone over 7 years of age who has had inadequate
tetanus, diphtheria and polio immunization.
• Travellers to a country where polio is a risk.
Who should not receive the vaccine?
• Anyone under 7 years of age (use DTaP-Polio vaccine).
• 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?
• On the recommendation of a public health nurse.
How is the vaccine given?
• By injection into a muscle
• May be safely given with other vaccines.
How effective is the vaccine?
• More than 95% of people who receive the vaccine are
protected within 4 weeks.
What might be felt after receiving the vaccine?
• Mild pain, redness or swelling at the injection site can
occur.
• Mild fever, headache, malaise, tiredness or dizziness may
occur.
• Rarely, severe local or systemic reactions (eg. neurological
complications) can occur in adults, especially if they have
been over-immunized
Call the number below if you have severe or unusual reaction.
For more information contact Public Health Services at:
- 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
- International Travel Centre: (306) 655-4780
©2008, Saskatoon Health Region. Reproduced only by permission.
(Updated March 2, 2009)
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