Diphtheria / Tetanus Toxoids Adsorbed
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.
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | None |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Pain or redness at injection site
- Rash
- Headache
- Sleepiness
The DT vaccine 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
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Pros and cons of The DT vaccine
Pros
- Works well to prevent diphtheria and tetanus
- Can be given with other vaccines
- Readily available and easy to find
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 for The DT vaccine
- 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.
- If you experience a severe reaction to the DT vaccine, you or your provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or call them at 1-800-822-7967.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The DT vaccine dosage
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5ml | 1 vial | $74.44 | $74.44 |
Typical dosage 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.
How much does The DT vaccine cost?
$74.44
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)
