TDVAX (Td)
Generic name:tetanus and diphtheria toxoids vaccine (Td) [ TET-a-nus-and-dif-THEER-ee-a-TOX-oyds-vax-EEN ]
Brand names: TDVAX, Tenivac (Td)
Drug class:Vaccine combinations
What is TDVAX?
Diphtheria and tetanus are serious diseases caused by bacteria.
Diphtheria can cause breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.
Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles that can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth, swallow, or breathe. Tetanus can lead to death.
Diphtheria is spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.
The tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (also called Td) is used to help prevent these diseases. This vaccine helps your body develop immunity to the disease, but will not treat an active infection you already have.
Td vaccine is for use in adults and children at least 7 years old.
Like any vaccine, the Td vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
Becoming infected with tetanus or diphtheria is much more dangerous to your health than receiving this vaccine.
Before taking this medicine
You should not receive this vaccine if you have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine that contains diphtheria or tetanus.
This vaccine may need to be postponed or not given at all if you have ever had any of the following reactions after receiving a diphtheria or tetanus vaccine:
Guillain-Barré syndrome (within 6 weeks after receiving the vaccine);
severe pain, weakness, or numbness in one or both shoulders, upper arms, and hands;
an allergic reaction; or
hives, redness, or other skin reactions.
Tell your vaccination provider if you have:
an allergy to latex; or
a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine, or by chemotherapy or radiation).
You can still receive a vaccine if you have a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until you get better before receiving this vaccine.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, your doctor or vaccination provider should determine whether you need a Td vaccine.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 7 years old.
How is this vaccine given?
This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.
This vaccine is given to people at least 7 years old, in a series of 3 shots...
