Tenivac
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.
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.
Drug facts
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.
Less Common Side Effects
- Fever
- Dizziness
- Muscle pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash
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 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
- 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
- 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 for The Td vaccine
- Read the vaccine information statement for more information on the Td vaccine.
- 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.
- If you experience a severe reaction to the Td vaccine, you or your provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Common questions about The Td vaccine
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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 (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.
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.
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.
The Td vaccine dosage
Typical dosage 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.
How much does The Td vaccine cost?
$50.04
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)
The Td vaccine images
