The Td vaccine is the adult tetanus booster vaccine; it contains a small amount of diphtheria vaccine and is a booster for diphtheria as well. The primary tetanus and diphtheria vaccinations are given in infancy (and a booster at age 4-5 years) as the DTaP vaccine, which includes pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. The first booster with Td used to be given at age 11-12 years; it has been replaced with the Tdap vaccine, which adds a pertussis booster for teenagers.. A tetanus booster is needed every 10 years throughout adult life as well, or the person will be at risk of getting tetanus. (If a person gets a skin wound that is at risk for tetanus and it has been more than 5 years since the last booster, then a booster is usually given then as well). The Td vaccine is used in any child older than 7 years who needs to be immunized for diphtheria or tetanus (children younger than 7 receive the DT vaccine).
The Tdap vaccine has replaced the Td dose given at age 11-12 years old because older children need a booster dose of pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine as well.
Diseases
See DTaP vaccine for a discussion of diphtheria and tetanus.
Schedule
The first dose (booster) used to be given at age 11-12 years, and once every 10 years thereafter. However, the first dose has been replaced by the Tdap vaccine. Older children and adults should receive one dose of Tdap at some point instead of the Td vaccine. From then on, a Td is needed every 10 years.
How it is given
The vaccine is injected into the upper arm muscle. It is safe and effective to give Td along with other vaccines the same day.
Side effects
The vaccine causes few side effects. It may cause some soreness at the injection site for 1-2 days; it can also cause a slight fever.
Risks vs. benefits
The risks of the vaccine are small, with the side effects noted above, and no one has ever died from the vaccine. Diphtheria outbreaks are occurring in other countries when immunization rates fall, and tetanus is a continual possibility since it comes from bacteria living in the soil.
Contraindications
Someone who has had a severe allergic reaction to Td vaccine should not get another dose. A child who is moderately or severely ill should probably delay the vaccination until he or she has recovered from the illness.
Combination vaccines
The Td vaccine is not used in any combination vaccines.
Brands/manufacturers
Decavac™ (Sanofi-Aventis); it does not contain thimerosal (mercury) as a preservative. Other brands may still contain thimerosal.
Related vaccines
DT vaccine
DTaP vaccine
Tdap vaccine
