Tetanus (Tdap) and (Td)

Tetanus (Tdap) Administer once only.

Tetanus (Td) To be administered every 10 years.

Tetanus (Tdap) is the first vaccine for adolescents and adults that protects against all three diseases.

This vaccine is a must for all children and adults ages 11 to 64.

Tetanus is an acute infectious disease, often fatal, caused by the toxins of a specific Bacillus which is most known to enter the body through wounds. It is characterized by spasmodic contractions and rigidity of some or all of the voluntary muscles (Lockjaw). In physiology, it is the state of continous contractions of a muscle undergoing a series of rapidly repeated stimuli.

Diphtheria is an acute infectious disease as well, characterized by weakness, high fever, and formation in the air passages of a membrane (bacillus) which interferes with breathing.  It can lead to paralysis, heart failure, and even death.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough) causes severe coughing spells, vomiting, and disturbed sleep.  It can lead to weight loss, incontinence, rib fractures, and passing out from violent coughing.  Pertussis is only included in the (Tdap) vaccine.

These three diseases are all caused by bacteria.  Diphtheria and Pertussis are spread from person to person.  Tetanus enters the body through cuts, scratches, or wounds.

(Td) and (Tdap) vaccines:

The Tetanus (Tdap) vaccine is recommended as one lifetime dose per person.

The Tetanus (Td) vaccine offers a window of protection of up to 10 years. Those who can not remember their last Tetanus booster should be considered to have no previous Tetanus Toxoid doses. It is strongly recommended that these individuals receive the Tetanus vaccine to restore adequate immunity protection.

NOTE: For those who have experienced a contaminated or serious wound, a Tetanus (Td) booster is appropriate if the person has not received this vaccine in the last five years. Those who have received at least 2-doses of the vaccine are better able to rapidly develop the needed antitoxin antibodies.