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Overview: The tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine is used to prevent tetanus and diphtheria. It works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the bacteria that cause tetanus and diphtheria. Common side effects include pain, swelling, or redness near the injection site, headache, muscle weakness, joint pain, and a general feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy. The Td vaccine is available as a liquid that is injected into a muscle by a health care provider.

Uses

What is Td vaccine used for?

The tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine is commonly used to prevent tetanus and diphtheria.

  • Tetanus (T) is a serious bacterial infection caused by the tetanus toxin, which affects the nervous system. It can cause painful muscle tightening, known as “lockjaw,” which prevents you from opening your mouth and can make breathing or swallowing difficult. Tetanus can be transmitted through cuts, wounds, burns, or less commonly, through animal or insect bites.
  • Diphtheria (d) is a serious, contagious bacterial infection. It can cause breathing and swallowing problems, heart failure, paralysis, or death.

See also: DTaP Vaccine and Tdap Vaccine

How does the Td vaccine work (mechanism of action)?

The Td vaccine works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against the bacteria that cause tetanus and diphtheria. If you have antibodies against these bacteria, your body is better able to fight them, which may help prevent you from getting sick.

How should I store the Td vaccine?

The Td vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Td vaccine?

The most common side effects of Td vaccine are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Headache
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy
  • Muscle weakness
  • Joint pain

There may be other side effects of Td vaccine that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of the Td vaccine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Td vaccine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. The Td vaccine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use the Td vaccine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive Td vaccine.

  • Decavac
  • Dt
  • Td vaccine
  • TDVAX
  • Tenivac
  • Tetanus/diphtheria vaccine
  • Any vaccine for tetanus or diphtheria
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific Td vaccine received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Td vaccine products they stock.

What should I know about the Td vaccine before using it?

The risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving the Td vaccine. Your health care provider may want to watch you for this time to ensure your safety.

The Td vaccine is given as part of a primary (initial) vaccination series. It is also given as a booster every 10 years or after 5 years for a severe or dirty wound or burn. The Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria but not pertussis. The Tdap vaccine is a different vaccine that protects against pertussis (whooping cough) in addition to tetanus and diphtheria. 

What should I tell my health care provider before using the Td vaccine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if the Td vaccine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Fever or recent illness
  • A reaction to a previous vaccine, including fainting, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or Parsonage-Turner syndrome (also known as brachial neuritis
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)

Latex Allergy. Td vaccine syringes may contain natural rubber latex in the tip cap. Tell your health care provider if you are allergic to latex or rubber.

Other Medicines and Supplements. The Td vaccine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before receiving the Td vaccine, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how the Td vaccine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Td vaccine passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should receive Td vaccine while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does the Td vaccine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between the Td vaccine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect the Td vaccine.

Does the Td vaccine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking any medicines or treatments that suppress your immune system such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Td vaccine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Td vaccine?

If you or someone else has used too much Td vaccine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Td vaccine?

It is important to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your health care provider. If you miss a dose of Td vaccine, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.