Tenivac
The Td vaccine is the brand name for the Td vaccine. It protects against tetanus and diphtheria in adults and children ages 7 years and older. The Td vaccine is given as an injection into the muscle of your upper arm by a healthcare professional. It can be used as part of the primary vaccination series. The Td vaccine can also be used as a booster, which is typically recommended every 10 years. It might be given after certain wounds to help prevent tetanus. Common side effects include pain and redness at the injection site, muscle weakness, and headache.
What is The Td vaccine?
What is The Td vaccine used for?
- Prevention of:
How The Td vaccine works
The Td vaccine is an inactivated vaccine. It protects against two types of bacteria. One causes tetanus, and the other causes diphtheria.
The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies against the bacteria. The antibodies then can attack and protect you from the bacteria if you ever get exposed.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Tenivac |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Vaccine |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of The Td 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
- Pain at injection site (up to 80%)
- Muscle weakness (up to 32%)
- Redness at injection site (up to 26%)
- Headache (up to 25%)
- Swelling at injection site (up to 17%)
- Feeling unwell (up to 17%)
- Pain in joints (up to 16%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Muscle pain
- Vomiting
The Td vaccine serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: rash, itching, nausea, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face
The following The Td vaccine side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Feeling faint or lightheaded
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of The Td vaccine
Pros
- Can help protect against both tetanus and diphtheria
- Can be given with other vaccines
Cons
- Given as an injection into the muscle by a healthcare professional
- Doesn't protect against pertussis (whooping cough) like other tetanus and diphtheria vaccines
Pharmacist tips for The Td vaccine
- You can usually still get the Td vaccine if you have a mild illness, such as a cold or low-grade fever. But if you feel more than mildly sick, you might need to wait until you feel better. Call a healthcare professional before your appointment if you're not sure whether you should get the vaccine.
- Bring your vaccination record when you get the Td vaccine, if you have it. Your vaccination history can help your healthcare professional decide if you need the Td vaccine and when you should get your next dose.
- Tell the healthcare professional about all the medications you take before getting the Td vaccine. Some medications can weaken your immune system and make the vaccine work less well. This can include certain corticosteroids or transplant medications.
- Common side effects of the Td vaccine include pain, redness, or swelling where you got the shot. You might also have some muscle weakness or a headache. These side effects are usually mild and should go away on their own within a few days. If they don't go away or get worse, talk to a healthcare professional.
- If you have a serious reaction after getting the Td vaccine, you or your healthcare professional can report it to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). You can report it online or call 1-800-822-7967 for help.
- If you're pregnant and due for a the Td vaccine shot: Talk to your healthcare professional before getting the vaccine. Experts recommend a Tdap vaccine, such as Boostrix, during pregnancy instead of the Td vaccine. Tdap helps protect your baby from pertussis (whooping cough), while the Td vaccine doesn't.
- If you plan to breastfeed: You can usually get the Td vaccine while breastfeeding. Vaccines like the Td vaccine aren't known to make breastfeeding unsafe. Talk to a healthcare professional if you have questions about getting vaccinated while breastfeeding.
- Read the vaccine information statement for more information on the Td vaccine.
Risks and warnings for The Td vaccine
The Td 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: Latex allergy | Allergic reaction to other vaccines
The Td vaccine can rarely cause a severe allergic reaction. Before getting the vaccine, tell the healthcare professional if you've had an allergic reaction to a vaccine before. Also tell them if you have a latex allergy. Some parts of the the Td vaccine prefilled syringe might contain natural rubber latex.
After your the Td vaccine vaccination, the healthcare professional might ask you to stay for a short time to make sure you feel okay. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction after you leave. These can include swelling of the face, throat tightness, trouble breathing, hives, rash, dizziness, nausea, or chest pain.
Tell the healthcare professional if you've an Arthus reaction after a tetanus vaccine. This is a rare type of allergic reaction to a vaccine. If you've had one before, you should wait at least 10 years before getting another tetanus vaccine.
Lower response to the Td vaccine for people with a weakened immune system
- Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system
The Td vaccine might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. This means they could still be at high risk of tetanus and diphtheria, even after getting the vaccine.
Tell your primary care provider or healthcare professional about your conditions and medications. Some health problems can weaken your immune system. This can include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or cancer. Also, some medications can lower how well the immune system works. Examples are high-dose steroids and transplant medications. If this applies to you, talk to your primary care provider about staying protected.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and other nerve problems
- Risk factors: GBS within 6 weeks of receiving any tetanus vaccine
Although very rare, some people have had nerve problems after vaccination with the Td vaccine. This has included Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), which can cause nerve damage. This can lead to pain, muscle weakness, or even trouble moving parts of the body. Tell your primary care provider right away if you notice these symptoms after getting the vaccine.
Tell the healthcare professional if you've had GBS within 6 weeks of getting a tetanus vaccine in the past. They can weigh the benefits and risks before deciding if the Td vaccine is right for you.
Fainting
- Risk factors: Fainting after receiving vaccines in the past
Some people might faint after getting vaccinated with the Td vaccine. Signs that you might faint include blurry vision or feeling dizzy, sweaty, clammy, or weak. Tell the healthcare professional if you've fainted after getting vaccines. They can watch you closely while giving you the vaccine and right after.
The Td vaccine dosage
How much does The Td vaccine cost?
$52.91
The Td 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 Td vaccine will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to any tetanus or diphtheria vaccine (including DTaP and Tdap vaccines)
The Td vaccine images
