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Diphtheria / Tetanus Toxoids Adsorbed

diphtheria and tetanus toxoids adsorbed vaccine
Used for Bacterial Infection
Used for Bacterial Infection

The DT vaccine protects your child from diphtheria and tetanus. DT is shorthand for this vaccine. It's given as an injection into the muscle and is a routine vaccine for all children who shouldn't receive pertussis (whooping cough)-containing vaccines.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Michelle Nguyen, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 31, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostContraindicationsPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is The DT vaccine?

What is The DT vaccine used for?

Prevention of:

  • Diphtheria

  • Tetanus

How The DT vaccine works

The DT vaccine is an inactivated vaccine that protects you from two bacteria that cause different conditions: Corynebacterium diphtheriae (diphtheria) and Clostridium tetani (tetanus). The DT vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies that will attack these bacteria if they ever infect you.

Are you looking for information on Boostrix, Adacel (Tdap vaccine),
Daptacel, Infanrix (DTaP vaccine), or Tenivac, TDVAX (Td vaccine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsNone
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$74.44(save 3.84%)
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$71.58
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What are the side effects of The DT vaccine?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Fever (1-7%)
  • Loss of appetite (3-6%)

Other Side Effects

  • Pain or redness at injection site
  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Sleepiness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reactions: hives, rash, shaking, itching, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain

Source: DailyMed

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of The DT vaccine

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Pros

Works well to prevent diphtheria and tetanus

Can be given with other vaccines

Readily available and easy to find

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Cons

Given as an injection into the muscle

Need to receive 5 injections to complete the series

Must be given by a healthcare provider at an office, clinic, or pharmacy

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for The DT vaccine

pharmacist

  • Most children who receive the DT vaccine don't have any serious side effects. Side effects are generally mild and should go away on their own in a few days.

    • Make sure to keep a record of all your child's immunizations and show it to your child's provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines, including the DT vaccine, to make sure they're receiving all their vaccines on schedule.

      • Wait until you're child is healthy to get the DT vaccine. This will help make sure their immune system protects them as best as it can. If your child has a mild sickness, such as a cold or low-grade fever, they can still get the DT vaccine. But if your child feels moderately to severely sick, wait until they recover before getting this vaccine. Ask your child's provider if you're not sure whether they can get this vaccine.

        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about The DT vaccine

        Who should receive routine vaccination with the DT vaccine?
        The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the CDC makes recommendations on how to use vaccines in the United States. U.S. providers typically follow the ACIP's recommendations as standard of care for vaccinations. The CDC's ACIP recommends routine vaccination with the DT vaccine for all children starting at 2 months of age who shouldn't receive pertussis (whooping cough)-containing vaccines (e.g., Daptacel or Infanrix (DTaP vaccine)). The DT vaccine shouldn't be used in anyone older than 7 years of age. Children older than 7 years of age and adults who didn't receive or complete the the DT vaccine series as a child should ask their provider about which vaccine they should receive as catch up.
        Why is it important to get the DT vaccine?
        The DT vaccine lowers your child's risk for getting diphtheria and tetanus, which can be life-threatening. Diphtheria is an infection that causes trouble breathing, heart failure, and even death. Tetanus, or "lockjaw," causes painful muscle contractions in your jaw muscles, which can make it hard to breathe. While there are antibiotics available to treat these conditions, your child should still get the DT vaccine to prevent getting sick because of the risk for severe complications, including death.
        Where can I go to receive the DT vaccine?
        The DT vaccine is given as an injection by a healthcare provider. It's not a vaccine you can pick up at the pharmacy, bring home, and give to your child. You can receive the DT vaccine at your child's provider's office or local pharmacy, but it's also likely available at certain community sites (e.g., health clinics, schools, workplaces). Eligible children can receive the DT vaccine at certain facilities that are enrolled in the Vaccines For Children Program at no cost.
        What's the difference between DT, Td, DTaP, and Tdap?
        There are many different vaccines available in the United States that help protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). In general, upper-case letters in the abbreviations mean full-strength doses of each part of the vaccine, whereas lower-case letters mean lower-strength doses. The DT and Td vaccines only protect against diphtheria and tetanus. On the other hand, the DTaP and Tdap vaccines protect against all three infections (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis). The DT and DTaP vaccines are for babies and young children who need full-strength doses to build up protection, whereas the Td and Tdap vaccines are recommended for older children and adults.
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        What are the risks and warnings for The DT vaccine?

        The DT vaccine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

        risk-warning

        Severe allergic reactions

        • Risk factors: Allergic reaction to other vaccines

          As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that your child might have a severe allergic reaction to the DT vaccine. Your provider might ask you and your child to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after your child has received their vaccine. This makes sure your child can get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice your child is having symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.

          risk-warning

          Lower response to the DT vaccine in children with weakened immune systems

          • Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower the immune system

            The DT vaccine might not work as well in children with a weakened immune system. This can put your child at higher risk of diphtheria and tetanus, even after they've received the vaccine. If your child has any medical conditions (e.g., HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), cancer) or take medications that weaken their immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids, transplant medications), talk to your child's provider before they receive the DT vaccine.

            risk-warning

            Fainting

            • Risk factors: Fainting after vaccines in the past

              Fainting can happen after receiving injectable vaccines, such as the DT vaccine. Signs of fainting include changes in vision, burning sensation, and stiffening or twitching of your arms and legs. Let your child's provider know if your child has fainted after vaccines in the past so they can be monitored.

              risk-warning

              Breathing issues (apnea) in premature babies

              • Risk factors: Premature birth

                Babies who were born prematurely have experienced apnea after receiving vaccines that are injected into the muscle, like the DT vaccine. Apnea is a condition where there's a temporary pause in breathing, sometimes occurring with a slowed heart rate or low oxygen level. If your baby was born prematurely, be sure to discuss the benefits and risks of the DT vaccine with your child's provider.

                risk-warning

                Guillain-Barre syndrome and other nerve problems

                • Risk factors: Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving any tetanus vaccine

                  Although very rare, some people have reported getting Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and other similar nerve problems after they've received the DT vaccine. This nerve damage can lead to pain, muscle weakness, and even paralysis. Let your child's provider know right away if your child has experienced these symptoms, especially if it occurred within 6 weeks of receiving a tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine.

                  dosage

                  The DT vaccine dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 vial of 0.5ml of The DT vaccine is $71.58 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 3.84% off the average retail price of $74.44.
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                  Vial
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  0.5ml1 vial$71.58$71.58

                  Typical dosing for The DT vaccine

                  This vaccine is a 5-dose series with 1 injection given at age 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months, and at age 4 to 6 years. The first dose can be administered as early as 6 weeks of age.

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                  How much does The DT vaccine cost?

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                  Diphtheria / Tetanus Toxoids Adsorbed (brand)
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                  The DT vaccine contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because The DT vaccine will not be safe for you to take.

                  • Allergy to any diphtheria or tetanus-containing vaccine (including DT, Td, and DTaP)

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