Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine

Immunizations are an important part of keeping you healthy. But they don’t just protect you – they also help protect those around you from contagious and potentially severe diseases.

Advocate Health Care’s expert preventive care team provides all the routine vaccines you need. With multiple convenient locations throughout the Chicago metro area, we aim to make accessing care as easy as possible.

What is the Td vaccine?

The tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine is a shot that protects against two diseases: tetanus and diphtheria. It’s usually used as a booster shot to provide continued protection after people’s initial vaccinations during childhood. Other names for the Td vaccine include:

Td booster
Td shot
Tetanus booster
Tetanus shot

What is the difference between the Td and Tdap vaccines?

The Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria only. The Tdap vaccine also protects against pertussis, or whooping cough. Whooping cough is especially dangerous for infants under 6 months old and young children. Health care providers recommend that pregnant women and any loved ones interacting with a newborn or young children get the Tdap vaccine instead of the Td vaccine. Learn more about recommended vaccinations during pregnancy.

What is the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine for?

The tetanus-diphtheria vaccine boosts your immunity against two severe diseases:

Diphtheria is a contagious bacterial disease. It leads to a thick coating in your throat that can block your breathing. Complications of diphtheria include heart failure, paralysis and even death. Thankfully, the number of people who get diphtheria has decreased by 99% since the vaccine was introduced.
Tetanus is a bacterial infection that can enter your body through a dirty cut or wound. Tetanus infections, sometimes called lockjaw, cause painful muscle stiffness throughout the whole body. In severe cases, a tetanus infection can cause difficulty breathing and even death.

Who should get the Td or Tdap vaccines?

Experts recommend that all children 7 years and older and all adults get the Td or Tdap vaccine. Whooping cough is dangerous for those 60 years or older, and individuals with chronic lung disease such as asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). People who may need a Tdap booster shot rather than Td are:

Health care workers who have direct patient contact
Adults who have never received Tdap
Anyone with a severe burn or wound

Who should not get the Td vaccine?

Most people should get the Td vaccine. But there are a few rare exceptions where the Td vaccine may not be safe for you. Talk with your health care provider if you have a history of:

Allergic reactions to any vaccines
Guillain-Barré syndrome
Severe pain or side effects after a previous tetanus-diphtheria vaccine

Td vaccine side effects

Some people experience side effects after the Td vaccine. Any tetanus shot side effects are typically mild and go away within one to two days. Tetanus shot side effects you might experience include:

Fatigue
Fever or chills
Headaches
Muscle aches
Reactions at the injection site, such as redness, swelling or soreness

When is the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine given?

Doctors typically recommend getting the Td vaccine every 10 years. You may get your next dose within five years if you get a severe burn or wound.

It’s safe to get the Td vaccine if you have a mild cold. But if you’re severely ill or have a fever, you should wait until you feel well. Td vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines.

How long does a tetanus shot last?

Babies and children under age 12 need six tetanus shots at specific intervals to build their immunity against the infection. After that, the tetanus booster shot lasts for about 10 years. Find out more about children’s vaccinations.