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Tetanus and diphtheria
Vaccine (Td)
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 does Td vaccine contain?
• The single dose vial contains 2-phenoxyethanol, aluminum
phosphate and formaldehyde. This product does not
contain latex.
• The multi-dose vial contains aluminum phosphate,
formaldehyde and thimerosal. The stopper contains latex.
Who should receive the
vaccine?
• Anyone 7 years of age or older who has received their
early childhood immunization and requires a booster.
• People who have had a dirty or serious cut or wound,
animal bite or needlestick and who have not had a
tetanus booster in the last 5 years.
Who should not receive the
vaccine?
• Anyone under 7 years of age (use DTaP-Polio vaccine
instead).
• Anyone who has had a life-threatening allergic reaction to
any of the vaccine components.
• Anyone who has had Guillain Barré Syndrome within 6
weeks of previous Td immunization should be referred to
the Medical Health Officer.
• People with moderate to severe illness may have to delay
immunization.
When should the vaccine be
given?
• Adults should receive a booster of Td vaccine every 10
years.
• May be safely given with other vaccines.
How is the vaccine given?
• By injection into a muscle.
How effective is the vaccine?
• 98% of people who receive the vaccine are protected
within 4 weeks.
How long does the protection
last?
• Adults require a booster every 10 years.
What might be felt after
receiving the vaccine?
• Soreness, swelling and redness at injection site.
• (Occasionally) headache, fever, achiness, nausea,
abdominal or joint pain.
• Rarely, severe local or systemic reactions such as
neurological or immunological complications can occur in
adults, especially if they have been over-immunized.
• Call the number below if you have severe or unusual
reactions.
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
©2008, Saskatoon Health Region. Reproduced only by permission.
(Updated March 2, 2009)
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