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Tenivac Coupon - Tenivac 0.5ml syringe

Tenivac

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

The Td vaccine protects you from tetanus and diphtheria. Td is shorthand for this vaccine. It's a routine vaccine for adults and children age 7 years or older. A 3-dose schedule is recommended for those who haven't previously received or completed vaccination against tetanus or diphtheria with another vaccine. The CDC recommends a booster dose, with either the Td vaccine or the Boostrix, Adacel (Tdap vaccine), every 10 years after at least 1 dose of the Tdap vaccine. Common side effects include pain and redness at the injection site, muscle weakness, and headache.

Last reviewed on June 4, 2023
basics-icon

What is The Td vaccine?

What is The Td vaccine used for?

Prevention of:

  • Tetanus

  • Diphtheria

How The Td vaccine works

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

Are you looking for information on diphtheria and tetanus toxoids adsorbed (DT vaccine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsTenivac, TdVax
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
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What are the 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 (35-80%)
  • Muscle weakness (5-32%)
  • Redness at injection site (15-26%)
  • Headache (12-25%)
  • Swelling at injection site (12-17%)
  • Feeling unwell (9-17%)
  • Pain in joints (9-16%)
Note: The side effects listed above are for the Tenivac brand-name medication. Side effects for TdVax might differ.

Other Side Effects

  • Fever
  • Dizziness
  • Muscle pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Rash

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 lips, tongue, or face

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Fever
  • General discomfort and fatigue
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle weakness
  • Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of The Td vaccine

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to prevent diphtheria and tetanus

Readily available and easy to find

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Cons

Given as an injection into the muscle

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

Doesn't protect against pertussis (whooping cough) like other available tetanus and diphtheria vaccines (e.g., Boostrix, Adacel (Tdap vaccine), Daptacel, Infanrix (DTaP vaccine))

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for The Td vaccine

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

    • Most people who receive the Td 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 immunizations and show it to your provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including the Td vaccine, to make sure you're receiving all your vaccines on schedule.

        faqs

        Frequently asked questions about The Td vaccine

        How long does the Td vaccine last?
        The Td vaccine protects against diphtheria and tetanus for 10 years after completing the primary vaccination series. This is why the CDC recommends a booster dose every 10 years with either the Td vaccine or the Boostrix, Adacel (Tdap vaccine).
        Is the Td vaccine a live vaccine?
        No, the the Td vaccine is an inactivated vaccine. Inactivated vaccines contain killed (or inactive) forms of a bacteria or virus. Live vaccines contain a weakened version of the active (or live) forms of a bacteria or virus. The Td vaccine contains inactive forms of the bacteria that can cause diphtheria and tetanus.
        Is the Td vaccine the same as a tetanus vaccine?
        The Td vaccine contains a tetanus vaccine. But, it also protects against diphtheria. Your provider can give the Td vaccine after a cut of animal bite to prevent tetanus, but Tdap might be preferred for certain people.
        How often should the Td vaccine be given?
        Primary vaccination (3-dose series) with the Td vaccine is recommended for adults and children 7 years and older who haven't previously received or completed vaccination against tetanus or diphtheria with another vaccine (e.g., Boostrix, Adacel (Tdap vaccine), Daptacel, Infanrix (DTaP vaccine), diphtheria and tetanus toxoids adsorbed (DT vaccine)). According to the CDC, a booster dose, with either the Td vaccine or the Tdap vaccine, is recommended every 10 years following at least 1 dose of the Tdap vaccine for continued protection against tetanus and diphtheria. The Td vaccine can also be used in people who have been exposed to diphtheria or who are wounded, depending on severity and vaccination history. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure if you or your child needs the Td vaccine.
        Is the Td vaccine given during pregnancy?
        The CDC recommends pregnant females receive Boostrix, Adacel (Tdap vaccine) instead of the the Td vaccine to be protected from pertussis (whooping cough), which the Td vaccine doesn't protect against.
        Why is it important to get the Td vaccine?
        The Td vaccine lowers your risk for getting tetanus and diphtheria, which can be life-threatening. Tetanus, or "lockjaw," causes painful muscle contractions in your jaw muscles, which can make it hard to open your mouth and swallow. Diphtheria is an infection that causes breathing problems, heart failure, and even death. While there are antibiotics available to treat these conditions, you should still get the Td vaccine to help prevent yourself from getting sick because of the risk for severe complications, including death.
        Where can I go to receive the Td vaccine?
        The Td vaccine is given as an injection by a healthcare provider. It's not a vaccine you can pick up at the pharmacy and bring home to give to yourself or your child. You can receive the Td vaccine at your 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 Td vaccine at certain facilities that are enrolled in the Vaccines For Children Program at no cost.
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        What are the 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.

        risk-warning

        Severe allergic reactions

        • Risk factors: Latex allergy (for Tenivac only) | Allergic reaction to other vaccines

          As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to the Td vaccine. The risk is higher if you're allergic to latex and receive Tenivac, since the tip caps of the prefilled syringes might contain natural rubber latex. Your provider might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you 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 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.

          Additionally, if you've had a rare allergic reaction called an Arthus reaction (e.g., pain, swelling, hardening of skin at injection site) to any kind of tetanus vaccine in the past, you should wait at least 10 years to get your next dose of the Td vaccine.

          risk-warning

          Lower response to the Td vaccine in people with weakened immune systems

          • Risk factors: Medical conditions or taking medications that weaken the immune system

            The Td vaccine might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. This can raise your risk of getting diphtheria and tetanus even after receiving the vaccine. If you or your child has any medical conditions (e.g., HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), cancer) or are taking medications that weaken the immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids, transplant medications), talk to your provider before getting the Td vaccine.

            risk-warning

            Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) and nerve problems

            • Risk factors: GBS within 6 weeks of receiving any tetanus vaccine

              Although very rare, some people have reported getting Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) or nerve problems after they've received tetanus toxoid-containing vaccines like the Td vaccine. GBS is a rare condition that causes muscle weakness and paralysis. Let your provider know right away if you or your child has experienced these symptoms, especially if they occurred within 6 weeks of receiving a tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine.

              dosage

              The Td vaccine dosage forms

              The average cost for 1 syringe of 0.5ml of The Td vaccine is $46.81 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 32.43% off the average retail price of $69.28.
              syringe
              Syringe
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              0.5ml1 syringe$46.81$46.81
              vial
              Vial
              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
              0.5ml1 vial$46.81$46.81

              Typical dosing for The Td vaccine

              The Td vaccine is given as an injection into the shoulder muscle by a healthcare provider in adults and children 7 years and older. There are two Td vaccines available: Tenivac and TdVax.

              • Primary series: This series is only for people who haven't previously received or completed a primary series against tetanus or diphtheria with another vaccine.

                • Tenivac: This vaccine is given as a 3-dose series with 1 injection given at 0 months, 2 months, and 6 to 8 months after the second dose.

                • TdVax: This vaccine is given as a 3-dose series with 1 injection given at 0 months, 1 to 2 months, and 6 to 12 months after the second dose.

              • Booster dose: The typical booster dose is 1 injection every 10 years in adults and children aged 11 or older for continued protection. See FAQs for more details about booster doses.

              • Prevention of diphtheria after exposure: The typical dose is 1 injection in those who haven't completed primary vaccination against diphtheria, whose vaccination status is unknown, or who haven't received a diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine within the last 5 years.

              • Prevention of tetanus after getting a wound: The typical dose is 1 injection. The need for a dose of the Td vaccine, with or without tetanus immune globulin, depends on the the condition of the wound and your vaccination history. Your provider will determine if you need a dose of the Td vaccine.

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              How much does The Td vaccine cost?

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              contraindications-icon

              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 diphtheria or tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine (including DT, Td, DTaP, and Tdap)

              images

              The Td vaccine images

              white - TENIVAC Prefilled Syringe Suspension for Injection
              This medicine is White Syringe.white - TENIVAC Prefilled Syringe Suspension for Injection

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              References

              Best studies we found

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Vaccines for Children (VFC) program information for awardees.

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Td (tetanus, diphtheria) VIS.

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Administering diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines.

              View All References (12)

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccination: What everyone should know.

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Diphtheria.

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Tetanus.

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Vaccinating pregnant patients.

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). About the Vaccines for Children program (VFC).

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Adult immunization schedule by age.

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine recommendations.

              Grifols USA, LLC. (2020). Hypertet- tetanus immune globulin (human) injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

              MassBiologics. (2021). Tdvax- tetanus and diphtheria toxoids adsorbed injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

              Peng, B., et al. (2019). The vaccines-associated Arthus reaction. Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics.

              Sanofi Pasteur Inc. (2023). Tenivac (clostridium tetani toxoid antigen (formaldehyde inactivated) and corynebacterium diphtheriae toxoid antigen- formaldehyde inactivated injection, suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.

              World Health Organization. (2020). How do vaccines work?

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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