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For You
Summary
Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) are serious bacterial infections:
- Tetanus is an uncommon disease that requires immediate treatment in a hospital. It causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw.
- Diphtheria usually affects the nose and throat. But it can also affect the skin and other body parts.
- Whooping cough can cause uncontrollable coughing fits. It may begin like a cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months.
Vaccines can protect you from these diseases. In the U.S., there are three combination vaccines:
- DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) prevents all three diseases. It is for babies and children under age 7. There are several different DTaP vaccines. Some of them also protect against other diseases.
- Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) also prevents all three diseases. It is for older children and adults.
- Td (tetanus and diphtheria) prevents those two diseases. It is for older children and adults. It is usually given as a booster dose every 10 years. You may also get it after 5 years if you get a severe or dirty wound or burn.
Some people should not get these vaccines, including those who have had severe reactions to the shots before. Check with your health care provider first if you have seizures, a neurologic problem, or Guillain-Barre syndrome.
People with minor illnesses such as a cold can get vaccinated. But those who are more ill may need wait until they feel better before getting some vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related Issues
- Current Vaccine Shortages and Delays (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) (Department of Health and Human Services) Also in Spanish
Specifics
- Diphtheria Vaccination (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccination (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Tetanus Vaccination (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Clinical Trials
-
ClinicalTrials.gov: Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis Vaccines
(National Institutes of Health)
Journal Articles References and abstracts from MEDLINE/PubMed (National Library of Medicine)
- Article: Does unintended birth lead to zero dose of DPT vaccine among...
- Article: A prospective, observational, multi-center, post-marketing safety surveillance study of the GSK...
- Article: SARS-CoV-2, Tdap, and influenza vaccination during pregnancy from 2019 to 2022...
- Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines -- see more articles
Children
- Diphtheria Vaccination (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Whooping Cough Vaccination (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Teenagers
- Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis) Vaccine Requirements for Secondary School (Immunization Action Coalition)
Women
- Tdap Vaccination for Pregnant People (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine and Pregnancy (Organization of Teratology Information Specialists) Also in Spanish
Patient Handouts
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis) Vaccine: What You Need to Know (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDF Also in Spanish
- Td (Tetanus and Diphtheria) Vaccine: What You Need to Know (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDF Also in Spanish
- Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) Vaccine: What You Need to Know (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) - PDF
The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.