When Should Adults Be Vaccinated With Tdap
The CDC recommends the Tdap vaccine for all adults ages 19 and older who have never received the vaccine, especially:
- Health care workers who have direct contact with patients
- Caregivers of infants under 1 year old, including parents, grandparents, and babysitters
- Pregnant women in their third trimester , even if they have previously received Tdap vaccine this can protect a newborn from whooping cough in the first months of life.
- New mothers who have never received the Tdap
- People who travel to countries where pertussis is common
You may be given the Tdap vaccine if you have a severe cut or burn and have never received a dose before. Severe cuts or burns raise your risk for tetanus.
The Tdap vaccine can be given any time of the year. Only one shot is needed. It may be given with other vaccinations. Tdap can be given regardless of the interval since the last Td vaccine was given.
The Tdap vaccine can be used safely for those ages 65 and over, according to 2013 CDC recommendations.
Preparations Authorized For Use In Canada
Tetanus toxoid is only available in combination vaccines.
Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines
- ADACEL® , Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- ADACEL®-POLIO , Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- BOOSTRIX® adsorbed vaccine containing tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and reduced acellular pertussis vaccine), GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- BOOSTRIX®-POLIO , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- INFANRIX®-IPV , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- INFANRIX®-IPV/Hib , GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- INFANRIX hexa , inactivated poliomyelitis and conjugated Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, GlaxoSmithKline Inc.
- PEDIACEL®, Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- QUADRACEL®, Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- Td ADSORBED . Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
- Td POLIO ADSORBED , Sanofi Pasteur Ltd.
Tetanus immunoglobulin
- HYPERTET®S/D solvent/detergent treated), Grifols Therapeutics Inc.
- HyperTET®), Grifols Therapeutics LLC. *
* NACI has not yet deliberated on the use of HyperTET®. NACI will review this immunizing agent and update the chapter in due course. For information regarding the use of these immunizing agents in the interim, please refer to the product monograph available through Health Canada’s Drug Product Database.
TIg is a solution of tetanus Ig for IM administration prepared from pooled human plasma of screened donors immunized with tetanus toxoid.
What Types Of Diphtheria Tetanus And Whooping Cough Vaccines Are There
A combination vaccine contains 2 or more vaccines in a single shot in order to decrease the number of shots given.
The Food and Drug Administration licensed 12 combination vaccines for use in the United States to help protect against diphtheria and tetanus. Nine of these vaccines also help protect against whooping cough. Some of the vaccines include protection against other diseases as well, including polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b disease, and hepatitis B.
- DT and Td provide protection against diphtheria and tetanus.
- DTaP provides protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough.
- Tdap provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough.
Upper-case letters in these abbreviations mean the vaccine has full-strength doses of that part of the vaccine. The lower-case d and p in Td and Tdap means these vaccines use smaller doses of diphtheria and whooping cough. The a in DTaP and Tdap stands for acellular, meaning that the whooping cough component contains only parts of the bacteria instead of the whole bacteria.
You May Like: Cvs Dtap Vaccine
Why Should Pregnant Women Get Vaccinated During Each Pregnancy
Women should be vaccinated during each pregnancy because the mother passes some protection to the baby before he or she is born, and because protection from Tdap is most effective within the first year after receiving the vaccine. Whooping cough can be serious for infants, and most get it from parents, siblings, or caregivers. Getting the mother vaccinated at each pregnancy provides the best protection for each baby.
What Should Health Professionals Know About Tetanus

Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by a neurotoxin produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium tetani. Tetanus bacteria are found in spore form in soil, dust, manure, and have also been detected in the intestines of animals and humans. Cases of tetanus occur when tetanus spores from the environment are introduced into a wound and grow anaerobically at the site of the injury. Tetanus cases have been reported to be caused by:
- lacerations ,
- injection drug use, and
- animal bites.
In rare cases, tetanus has also occurred after bowel surgery, or aspiration of soil and feces. Neonatal tetanus is associated with nonsterile conditions during childbirth or soon afterwards.
The disease occurs worldwide but is rare in Canada. It is often fatal and affects all age groups. A person infected with the tetanus bacterium typically experiences painful muscle contractions that begin in the neck and continue down to involve the muscles of the torso.
There is no cure for tetanus. Treatment consists of wound care, medications to ease symptoms, and supportive care. However, tetanus can be prevented through immunization, and rarely occurs in fully vaccinated people. When it does, it is usually mild. The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recommends routine childhood immunization against tetanus.
Agent of disease
Tetanus is caused by a neurotoxin produced by the tetanus bacterium Clostridium tetani.
Reservoir
Spectrum of clinical illness
Transmission
Risk factors
Recommended Reading: Tdap At Cvs
Vaccination Of Adolescents And Adults In Contact With Infants
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that all adolescents and adults who have or who anticipate having close contact with an infant younger than 12 months who previously have not received the Tdap vaccine should receive a single dose of Tdap to protect against pertussis and reduce the likelihood of transmission 7. Ideally, these adolescents and adults should receive the Tdap vaccine at least 2 weeks before they have close contact with the infant 6.
Is Tdap Vaccine Safe
Yes, Tdap vaccine is safe for pregnant people. There are several studies that have examined the safety of Tdap in pregnancy and have found that getting the vaccine does not increase the risk for complications during your pregnancy. Tdap is also safe to get if you are breastfeeding. Even after health officials determine a vaccine is safe, systems are in place to continuously monitor vaccines for safety.
The most common side effects of the Tdap vaccine are mild. They include redness, pain, or swelling at the injection site. These side effects usually go away within a few days if they occur.
You May Like: Tdap Shot At Cvs
Tdap Vaccine: When To Get It Side Effects And Safety
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are infectious bacterial diseases. Without treatment, they can lead to severe complications, and in some instances, they are fatal. The Tdap vaccine protects against all three diseases.
The Tdap vaccine is highly effective. Since the introduction of vaccines, cases of diphtheria and tetanus have dropped by 99% , while cases of pertussis have dropped by 80%.
Doctors can give Tdap as a primary immunization or as a booster vaccine, meaning it tops up the immunity a person already has to an illness.
In this article, we will discuss what the Tdap vaccine is, how safe it is, who should get it, and possible side effects.
Tdap is a booster vaccine. It protects people from the following illnesses.
Caring For Your Child After Dtap Immunization
Your child may have a fever, soreness, and some swelling and redness in the area where the shot was given. For pain and fever, check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophenoribuprofen, and to find out the right dose.
A warm, damp cloth or a heating pad on the injection site may help reduce soreness, as can moving or using the arm.
You May Like: Does Cvs Give Tdap Shots
What Is A Tetanus Shot
A tetanus shot is a vaccine used to prevent tetanus. It can be given on its own in the event of a possible exposure but is typically bundled with at least one other vaccine. These include vaccines used to prevent the bacterial infections diphtheria and pertussis .
There are four versions used for childhood or booster vaccination:
- DTaP for children under 7
- DT for children under 7
- Tdap for booster vaccinations for older children and adults
- Td for booster vaccinations for older children and adults
How Do You Prevent Tetanus
An important aspect of tetanus prevention is wound care. The bacteria that causes tetanus is found in the environment. It lives on soil, manure, and metal objects.
Cleaning wounds we get outside plays a huge role in tetanus infections. Washing hands, cleaning cuts, and seeking medical attention for serious injuries goes a long way in preventing tetanus. Timing is also important try to get medical attention as soon as you can after potential exposure.
However, the best way to prevent tetanus is by getting vaccinated. Tetanus vaccines are safe and effective. But in order for them to work best, you need to stay up to date with booster shots. There are a few different tetanus shots available. Lets discuss the two used for adults: Tdap and Td.
Also Check: Cvs Tdap Shot
Can Adults Have Allergic Reactions To Tdap Or Td Vaccines
Although it’s rare, someone may have a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in the Tdap or Td vaccine. This generally happens in less than one in a million doses. Most of the time, such reactions occur within a few minutes of receiving the vaccine. The following can be signs of a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis:
- Behavior changes
Were There Documented Whooping Cough Cases In Healthcare Workers During The 2012 Epidemic

Yes, there were several cases of pertussis in healthcare workers during Washington’s 2012 whooping cough epidemic. We recommend that all healthcare workers have a Tdap vaccination, stay home when they’re sick, and use appropriate personal protective equipment to prevent infection when caring for patients with respiratory infections like whooping cough and flu.
Read Also: Who Has The Cheapest Shingles Vaccine
What Happens If You Dont Get A Tetanus Shot After A Dog Bite
If you dont receive proper treatment, the toxins effect on respiratory muscles can interfere with breathing. If this happens, you may die of suffocation. A tetanus infection may develop after almost any type of skin injury, major or minor. This includes cuts, punctures, crush injuries, burns and animal bites.
What Is A Td Shot
Td vaccines are similar to Tdap shots. However, they only protect against tetanus and diphtheria not pertussis. Td shots are recommended for people over 7 years old as booster shots. Theyre not recommended if you havent been vaccinated before. Td vaccines were the original tetanus boosters until Tdap shots became available in 2005.
The Td shot versions available are Tenivac and its generic, TDVAX.
You May Like: Does Cvs Pharmacy Give Tdap Vaccine
How Many People Are Vaccinated In Washington
According to data from the National Immunization Survey , here are the vaccination rates in 2016 for children and adolescents in Washington:
Rate |
|
13-17 year olds |
1 dose or more of Tdap |
The Tdap vaccination rate for adults in our state isn’t available. The national adult Tdap rate in 2014 was 22 percent, according to the National Health Interview Survey.
Find more whooping cough vaccination rates from the CDC:
What Is The Tdap Vaccine
Tdap stands for tetanus , diphtheria, , and acellular pertussis . The Tdap vaccine became available in 2005 for older children and adults. Before 2005, there was no pertussis vaccine for anybody over 6 years of age.
Tdap is different than the DTaP vaccine , which is given to infants and children in five doses, starting at 2 months of age. Tdap is only for those above age 7.
Recommended Reading: Can You Get Tdap At Cvs
How Often Should You Get A Tetanus Booster Shot
Tetanus booster shots are recommended every 10 years to prevent infections. As long as youve received one dose of Tdap, boosters can be either a Tdap or Td shot.
Theres a catch-up schedule for adults who never received childhood tetanus shots. Its recommended the first catch-up dose be a Tdap shot. The rest of the series can be Tdap or Td shots.
Can I Spread Whooping Cough Even If I Don’t Have A Bad Cough
Yes. You can have whooping cough without realizing it and infect others. This is especially important to know for people who are going to be around babies or pregnant women. Any time you have a runny nose or cough, you should stay away from high-risk people, and make sure you are vaccinated before seeing them.
Read Also: Cvs Whooping Cough Vaccine
What Causes Tetanus Bacteria
Tetanus is caused by a bacterial infection that gets into a wound through a break in the skin or mucous membrane. This can be a cut, puncture wound, deep scrape, deep burn, or any injury that breaks the skin. The bacteria make a toxin that causes severe muscle spasms and, in severe cases, seizures. Also called lockjaw, tetanus can cause muscle tightness or spasms in the jaw, making it hard to open the mouth. This also makes it hard to swallow or even breathe. Tetanus can be very dangerous and, in severe cases, can cause death. The best prevention tip is to have a tetanus shot.
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccination

Special situations
- Anatomical or functional asplenia : 1 dose if previously did not receive Hib if elective splenectomy, 1 dose, preferably at least 14 days before splenectomy
- Hematopoietic stem cell transplant : 3-dose series 4 weeks apart starting 612 months after successful transplant, regardless of Hib vaccination history
Routine vaccination
- Not at risk but want protection from hepatitis A: 2-dose series HepA or 3-dose series HepA-HepB
Special situations
- At risk for hepatitis A virus infection: 2-dose series HepA or 3-dose series HepA-HepB as above
- Chronic liver disease
- HIV infection
Routine vaccination
- Not at risk but want protection from hepatitis B: 2- or 3-dose series or 3-dose series HepA-HepB
Special situations
- At risk for hepatitis B virus infection: 2-dose or 3-dose series or 3-dose series HepA-HepB as above
- Chronic liver disease
- HIV infection
- Sexual exposure risk
- Current or recent injection drug use
- Percutaneous or mucosal risk for exposure to blood
- Incarcerated persons
- Travel in countries with high or intermediate endemic hepatitis B
- Pregnancy if at risk for infection or severe outcome from infection during pregnancy. Heplisav-B not currently recommended due to lack of safety data in pregnant women
Don’t Miss: Does Cvs Offer Tetanus Shots
Cost Of A Tdap Vaccine
The cost of the vaccine is covered under most private insurance plans. Be sure to check with your insurance provider for details. You can also check with your state health departments or local health centers for low-cost or free vaccinations.
Tdap vaccines are also covered under Medicare part D plans. There may be a cost associated with your specific plan, though, so check with your Medicare representative.
depending on your age and vaccination history:
- Ages 11 to 12 years: 1 dose Tdap
- Pregnancy: 1 dose Tdap during each pregnancy, preferably anytime between 27 to 36 weeks
Vaccine And Immunoglobulin Safety And Adverse Events
Refer to Adverse Events Following Immunization in Part 2 for additional general information. Refer to Diphtheria Toxoid, Pertussis Vaccine, Poliomyelitis Vaccine, Haemophilus influenzae type b Vaccine and Hepatitis B Vaccine in Part 4 for additional information regarding other components in tetanus toxoid-containing combination vaccines.
Common and local adverse events
Tetanus-toxoid containing vaccines
Redness, swelling and pain at the injection site are the most common adverse reactions to childhood tetanus toxoid-containing combination vaccines. A nodule may be palpable at the injection site and persist for several weeks. Abscess at the injection site has been reported. These events are most often related to administering the vaccine subcutaneously in error.
In clinical trials, injection site adverse reactions, including tenderness, erythema, swelling, or any combination, were reported in 10% to 40% of children after each of the first 3 doses of tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine. Mild systemic reactions such as fever, irritability fussiness or any combination were commonly reported , as well as drowsiness .
TIg
Mild soreness at the injection site and slight temperature elevation may occur following TIg injection.
Less common and serious or severe adverse events
Tetanus-toxoid containing vaccines
Serum sickness, brachial plexus neuropathy, encephalomyelitis and transverse myelitis have rarely been reported in association with tetanus vaccination.
TIg
Read Also: Tdap Shot Cvs
Why Do You Need Booster Shots
The tetanus vaccine doesnt provide lifelong immunity. Protection begins to decrease after about 10 years, which is why doctors advise booster shots every decade.
A doctor may recommend children and adults get a booster shot earlier if theres a suspicion they may have been exposed to tetanus-causing spores.
For example, if you step on a rusty nail or have a deep cut thats been exposed to infected soil, your doctor may recommend a booster.
Some people shouldnt be vaccinated, including people who:
- had severe reactions to previous doses of the vaccine
- have Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological immune disorder
Should I Get A Tetanus Booster During Pregnancy
Yes. Pregnant women should get a Tdap shot between weeks 27 and 36 of pregnancy. This is recommended for every pregnancy, regardless of when your last booster was.
People that will have close contact with a newborn may also need to get a Tdap shot at least 2 weeks before the baby is born. This might include a partner, grandparents, and other family members. But these people would only need a Tdap shot if its been more than 10 years since their last one.
Its important to note that these recommendations arent to protect against tetanus. Theyre to protect newborns against pertussis . As mentioned earlier, pertussis can be very dangerous to infants. Tdap shots are the only FDA-approved vaccines that protect against pertussis for people over 10.
Recommended Reading: Tdap Vaccine At Cvs