Vaccination Schedule for Adults and Adolescents
Medical Authors: Carolyn J. Crandall, MD, and Daniel Gornel, MD, MPH
Medical Editor: Dennis Lee, MD
TETANUS AND DIPHTHERIA TOXOIDS (TD) VACCINE
Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (TD) is a combination vaccine to prevent
tetanus (also known as "lockjaw") and diphtheria.
Who should receive the tetanus and Td vaccine?
Adults and adolescence.
How often should the tetanus and Td vaccine be administered?
- Adults who had received recommended childhood
immunizations should have
a Td shot every 10 years
- Adults who have never received childhood vaccinations
should receive three Td shots (the second shot in 4-8 weeks after the first, and the third shot
at 6-12 months after the second shot)
- Adults at higher risk of contracting tetanus (adults working with farm
manure or home garden manure fertilizers) should have a Td shot
every 5 years
- Individuals with a clean, minor wound who has had
less than three Td shots or of uncertain vaccination history should receive a
Td shot
- Individuals with more serious wounds (wounds from burns, crushing,
frostbite) or wounds contaminated with dirt, feces, or saliva should have both
Td and tetanus immune globulin if the individual had less than 3
shots or uncertain vaccination history, and Td alone if he/she had 3 or more
shots but the last one was more than 5 years ago
What about pregnancy and breastfeeding?
The vaccine can be given during pregnancy and lactation
except during first trimester of pregnancy.
Who should not receive the tetanus and Td vaccine?
- Individuals who have had prior severe vaccine
reactions such as seizures, brain dysfunction, high fever (>104.9 F), anaphylaxis, or shock should not receive
additional Td vaccine
- The vaccine should not be given to women in the first trimester of pregnancy
What is the effectiveness of the tetanus and Td vaccine, and what about side effects?
- The vaccine is highly effective against both tetanus and diphtheria when
given according to the recommended schedule
- Side effects include redness and tenderness at the injection site, fever
and malaise can sometimes occur. Severe rash, anaphylactic shock, seizure
and brain dysfunction have been reported but are very rare
Next: Influenza vaccine (flu shot) »
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Last Editorial Review: 2/20/2002