What is the most important information I should know about tetanus toxoid vaccine?
Individuals with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. Those who are moderately
or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting tetanus toxoid vaccine.
What is tetanus toxoid vaccine?
Tetanus is a serious disease caused by bacteria. Tetanus toxoid vaccine exposes the individual
to a small amount of the bacteria (or to a protein from the bacteria) causing the body to develop
immunity to the disease.
Tetanus (Lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead
to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open his mouth or swallow. Tetanus leads to death in about
1 out of 10 cases.
Tetanus toxoid vaccine can help prevent tetanus. Tetanus toxoid vaccine is made for people 7
years of age and older. After a person completes the primary immunization schedule, a tetanus toxoid
booster dose is needed every 10 years all through life. Talk to your doctor about the tetanus
immunization and booster schedule.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving tetanus toxoid vaccine?
Anyone who had a
life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of tetanus vaccine should
not get another dose.
Before receiving tetanus toxoid, talk to your doctor if you:
-
have HIV or AIDS or another disease that affects the immune
system;
-
are taking a medication that affects the immune system
(e.g. steroids, anti-rejection medications);
-
have cancer; or
-
are receiving cancer treatment with x-rays, radiation, or
medication.
Ask your healthcare provider for more information. Tetanus toxoid vaccine
may not be recommended in some cases.
Individuals with minor illnesses, such as a cold, may be vaccinated. Those who are moderately
or severely ill should usually wait until they recover before getting tetanus toxoid vaccine.
Talk to your doctor before receiving tetanus toxoid vaccine if you are pregnant or
breast-feeding a baby.
How are tetanus toxoid vaccine administered?
Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will administer the tetanus toxoid vaccine as an
injection.
Tetanus toxoid vaccine can help prevent tetanus. Tetanus toxoid vaccine is made for people 7
years of age and older. After a person completes the primary immunization schedule, a tetanus toxoid
vaccine booster dose is needed every 10 years all through life. Talk to your doctor about the primary
immunization and booster schedule.
Tetanus toxoid vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
Your doctor may recommend reducing pain or soreness from the injection by taking an
aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil,
others) when the shot is given and for the next 24-48 hours. Your healthcare provider can tell you the
appropriate dosages of these medications.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor if a dose of tetanus toxoid vaccine is missed.
What happens if I overdose?
An overdose of tetanus toxoid vaccine is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid before or after getting tetanus toxoid vaccine?
There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity before or after receiving the tetanus
toxoid vaccine.
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