TD

Did You Know?

Tetanus and diphtheria, also called TD, are very serious infections, with tetanus killing 2 out of every 10 infected, and diphtheria killing 1 out of every 10 infected. 

The TD vaccine is a two-in-one vaccine that protects against both tetanus and diphtheria.

Tetanus vs Diphtheria

Tetanus

  • Tetanus is caused by bacteria that lives in dirt, dust, and soil.
  • Rather than spreading between people, the bacteria spreads from the dirt to your body by entering through broken skin (e.g., scratch, scrape, puncture).

 

Symptoms:

  • Cramping and tightening of neck and face muscles, headache, trouble swallowing, seizures, fever and sweating, increased heart rate.

Diphtheria

  • Diphtheria is caused by bacteria that infects an individual’s nose, throat, and skin.
  • It is spread from person-to-person through coughing, sneezing, and touching contaminated objects then rubbing the eyes, nose, or mouth.

 

Symptoms:

  • Fever and chills, sore throat. 
  • May progress and cause difficulty breathing, heart failure, nerve damage, and temporary muscle paralysis.

Most Frequent Questions and Answers

While anyone can get tetanus and diphtheria, infants and older adults are most vulnerable due to either the lack of vaccination or an expired ( out of date) vaccination.

You can get the TD vaccine from your family healthcare provider If you do not have a family healthcare provider, visit https://www.wechu.org/your-health/find-doctor to find one in the Windsor-Essex area

Infants, children, and adolescents:

  • 1st dose: DTaP vaccine at 2 months old
  • 2nd dose: DTaP vaccine at 4 months old
  • 3rd dose: DTaP vaccine at 6 months old
  • 4th dose: DTaP vaccine at 12 to 23 months old
  • Adolescent booster: Booster dose of DTaP of Tdap vaccine at 4 to 6 years of age
  • Booster: Booster dose of Tdap vaccine at 14 to 16 years of age

DTaP vaccine prevents against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Tdap vaccine booster offers continued protection against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.

Adults

  • Booster TD vaccine: every 10 years (booster that offers continued protection against tetanus and diphtheria).

https://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/publications/immune/td.aspx