Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Information
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Background Information for Tetanus and Diphtheria
The Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Booster
Who Should Get the Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Booster?
Who Should Not Get the Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td)
Booster?
Background Information for Tetanus and
Diphtheria
Tetanus (also known as "lockjaw") is a serious illness caused by
bacteria that live in soil, dust, and the intestines of many animals. The
bacteria enter humans through cuts and scratches. Tetanus is a serious
illness that kills approximately 30% of those it infects. Prior to the
discovery of a vaccine in the 1940's, there were 500-600 cases per year.
With the use of routine vaccination, this number dropped to 27 in 1996.
Diphtheria is an illness that is also caused by a bacterium. It attacks susceptible individuals by breathing contaminated air. The severity of the illness it causes ranges from extremely mild to deadly (overall 5%-20% of patients die). In the 1920's the U.S. averaged 100,000-200,000 cases per year, with 13,000-15,000 deaths. With the widespread use of the vaccine in the 1940's this number dropped significantly. In fact, over the past 15 years, there has only been an average of 3 cases per year in the United States. Unfortunately, other parts of the world have not been as vigilant with their immunizations. There has been an epidemic raging in Russia and other states of the former Soviet Union, with over 1500 deaths in 1995 alone.
In the United States, almost all infants are immunized against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (the DTP vaccine). Most adults become familiar with the need for booster shots when they have an injury and are given a "tetanus shot" (Td - which includes tetanus and diphtheria). This booster, for most people, should be given every 10 years.
The Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Booster
Tetanus and Diphtheria are usually combined into one vaccination and
should be given every 10 years. Most adults receive their boosters when
they have an injury (e.g. laceration) and see a doctor.
The vaccine is very safe. It does not contain any live bacteria, and cannot cause disease. Side effects are usually mild and easily controlled.
The most common adverse reactions are local pain, redness, and/or swelling at the injection site. This is self-limited and requires no treatment. Occasionally, a small nodule (bump) may be felt for several weeks.
Rarely, a more severe local reaction may occur. This is called an Arthus-like reaction and can cause painful swelling from the shoulder to the elbow. This is more common in those who have received numerous previous tetanus/diphtheria shots.
Very rarely there may be a systemic reaction such as hives, or even more serious allergic reaction. Extremely rarely there may be some neurological complications that are usually self-limited.
Who Should Get the Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td)
Booster?
All those who have not had a tetanus and diphtheria booster in the last 10
years should get one. In addition, those who have had particularly dirty
open wounds should get one if their last booster was more than 5 years
ago.
Who Should Not Get the Tetanus and Diphtheria
(Td) Booster?
The tetanus and diphtheria (Td) booster is extremely safe. Only those with
a history of neurological or severe allergic reaction following a previous
dose of the Td booster should avoid this vaccine. Moderate to severe
current illness is a reason to defer the vaccine, but minor illness
without a high fever is not.
Last Modified 02/06/2007