Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td)

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Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections.

The Td vaccine protects against two diseases in one needle: tetanus and diphtheria.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus (also called lockjaw) is caused by a germ. If you have a cut or skin wound that gets infected with the tetanus germ you may get tetanus. Tetanus germs are found everywhere, usually in soil, dust and manure. It does not spread from person to person. Tetanus usually causes cramping of the muscles in the neck, arms, legs and stomach, and painful convulsions that can be severe enough to break bones. Even with early treatment, tetanus kills two out of every 10 people who get it.

What is diphtheria?

Diphtheria is a serious disease that is caused by germs that infect the nose, throat or skin. It is passed to others through coughing and sneezing. It can cause serious problems with breathing and can also cause heart failure and nerve damage. It can kill one out of every 10 people who get the disease. Diphtheria has become a rare disease because of routine immunizations.

Who should get the vaccine?

It is recommended as a booster for adults every 10 years. While Td vaccine can be given to those over

7 years of age, there are other vaccines that provide protection against other diseases as well as tetanus and diphtheria that are most often given to children, adolescents and adults who have not been previously immunized.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends that all adolescents and adults receive a one-time dose of Tdap vaccine to provide increased protection against pertussis. Adolescents in Ontario currently receive this in their 14-16 year booster.

Proof of vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria or a valid exemption is required by law for all children attending school in Ontario.

How well does the vaccine work?

When given in the recommended schedule this vaccine protects over 99% against tetanus and over 99% against diphtheria.

No vaccine is 100% effective however, if someone does develop one of these diseases after receiving the vaccine, it is usually a milder case than those in people who are not vaccinated.

Who should not get this vaccine?

A health care provider may decide not to give this vaccine to:

• Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold. They should delay having the vaccine until they are better.
• Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past or who is allergic to any component of the vaccine:

Td Adsorbed contains: tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid, aluminum phosphate, 2-phenoxyethanol and residual formaldehyde

• Anyone who has received a booster dose of a tetanus containing vaccine in the last five years.
• Anyone under the age of 7.

What are the side effects of this vaccine?

The Td vaccine is very safe and side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild pain, redness, and swelling where the needle was given. Some people may get a fever, chills, sore or swollen joints for a day or two after the needle. Serious side effects are rare.

This is not a complete list of side effects. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any vaccine with a health care provider.

Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken following immunization to reduce discomfort or

fever. Always follow package directions.

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) must not be given to children under 18 years of age.

Is there an alternative to the vaccine?

There are no other treatments to prevent these diseases. If you become ill with diphtheria, you may develop immunity.

Covering the nose and mouth during coughing or sneezing can help reduce the spread of disease.

Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. To wash hands properly, rub all parts of the hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or if your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol based hand rub.

When should I seek medical attention?

Call your health care provider, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if any of the following occur within three days of getting the vaccine:

• High fever (over 40C or 104F)
• Hives
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Trouble breathing
• Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• Convulsions or seizures
• Other serious problems
• Any other unexpected effects

If medical attention was required, please notify the health unit.

What else do I need to know?

After you or your child receive a vaccine, update the immunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place.

The health unit is required to keep immunization records on file for all children enrolled in a day nursery or school. If your child receives immunizations from your health care provider, you can update your child’s record in any one of the following ways:

• Use the secure on-line form on our website (www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/immsonline)
• Fax a copy to 705-721-1495
• Mail a copy to: VPD Program, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie ON, L4M 6K9
• Drop off a copy at any one of our offices
• Call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (toll-free)

A confidential electronic database stores this information and it is available to you on request. It is important to note that health care providers do not routinely provide this information to the health unit.