Side effects of tetanus diphtheria polio vaccine in adults

Adacel®-Polio and Boostrix®-Polio (Tdap-IPV)

January 2016

Table of Contents Show

Adacel®-Polio and Boostrix®-Polio (Tdap-IPV)
Vaccine Protection
Recommendations for Use
Vaccine Side Effects and Risks
Do Not Get the Vaccine, If You Have:
Delay Vaccination If You Have:
Pertussis (Whooping Cough)
More information
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Headache or other body aches
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Serious allergic reaction
Severe pain, redness, swelling, or bleeding at the injection site
Who shouldn’t receive the vaccination?
How long do side effects last from tetanus shot in adults?
What are the side effects for DTaP shot for adults?
How long after Tdap vaccine can side effects occur?
What are the long term side effects of tetanus shot?

Vaccine Protection

Adacel®-Polio and Boostrix®-Polio are combination vaccines that protect against four diseases in one needle. They protect almost 100 per cent of children against tetanus, diphtheria and polio and approximately 85 per cent against severe whooping cough.

It is given as a booster vaccine for children four to six years of age. Vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and polio is required by law for children attending school in Ontario, unless there is a valid exemption.

Protection against tetanus and diphtheria lasts for approximately ten years and protection against pertussis is expected to last for at least four years. To stay protected teenagers 14 to 16 years of age need a booster dose of tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine.

Adults should also get one booster dose with diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis; then tetanus and diphtheria vaccine every ten years.

Recommendations for Use

All children between four and six years of age should receive one shot as a booster dose.

Vaccine Side Effects and Risks

Common side effects include mild redness, swelling and pain where the needle was given. Few people may have fever, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, nausea, chills, generalized body ache, low energy, sore and swollen joints after getting the vaccine. These reactions are mild and last no more than a few days. Severe allergic and neurological reactions are very rare.

Call your health care provider if you or your child has any of the symptoms within 14 days of getting the needle: hives, swelling of the face or mouth, trouble breathing, fever over 40°C, crying for more than three hours, convulsions or seizure, drowsiness, or any other severe or unexpected symptoms.

Do Not Get the Vaccine, If You Have:

severe allergy or neurological reaction to a previous dose of a vaccine containing diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio. Signs of severe allergy include hives, swelling of the mouth and throat, wheezing, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, difficulty swallowing, hypotension and shock.
allergies to any part of the vaccines including neomycin, polymyxin B and streptomycin

Delay Vaccination If You Have:

an acute febrile illness more serious than a cold
an unstable neurologic disorder
a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, with no other identified cause, within 6 weeks of receipt of a previous tetanus-toxoid containing vaccine
had a serious reaction at the injection site following a previous dose of a vaccine containing tetanus and/or diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine

Diphtheria is serious bacterial disease of the throat, nose and skin. Infection can cause breathing problems, heart failure, and nerve damage. It is easily spread by coughing and sneezing and direct contact with an infected person. Diphtheria kills up to 10 per cent of people who get the disease. Today, diphtheria is rare due to immunization.

Tetanus

Tetanus or lockjaw is a rare and often fatal disease that most often occurs when the tetanus bacteria get into a deep cut in the skin. Tetanus causes severe cramping of the muscles, particularly in the jaw, neck and abdomen. Tetanus bacteria are found everywhere including soil, dust and animal manure and can survive for long periods in the soil.

Pertussis (Whooping Cough)

Pertussis or whooping cough is a serious disease that can infect people of any age, but is most dangerous for babies. Infection can spread easily through coughing and sneezing and direct contact with an infected person. Pertussis may cause violent coughing which can last for weeks. Vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures and even brain damage may result. Pneumonia may occur in more than one out of five children. One to three deaths occur each year in Canada, particularly in babies too young to have begun their immunization, or who have not had all their needles. Immunizing family and friends helps to protect babies.

Polio

Polio is a disease of the spinal cord that can cause nerve damage and paralyze the muscles used for breathing, talking, eating and walking. It is spread when people drink water or eat food with the polio virus in it. Polio is also spread from person to person. Polio has been eliminated in Canada due to vaccination. However, poliovirus is still found in other parts of the world and can be re-introduced to Toronto through travel or migration.

More information

Talk to your doctor or call our Immunization Line at 416-392-1250

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About the tetanus shot

Tetanus is a serious disease that’s caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani (C. tetani).

C. tetani lives in soil and manure. It usually enters your body through an open wound. A toxin that’s produced by the bacterium causes the disease, also referred to as lockjaw.

Although rare in the United States, 1 in 10 people who contract it die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The tetanus vaccine helps protect against tetanus. The vaccine that you get for tetanus can also contain components to prevent contracting certain other serious bacterial diseases, such as diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

The different tetanus vaccine formulations are as follows:

DTaP. This vaccine prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It’s used for children younger than 7 years old.
Tdap. This vaccine prevents tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. It’s used for older children and adults.
DT and Td. These prevent tetanus and diphtheria. DT is given to younger children, while Td is typically given to older children and adults.

There are some mild side effects to any of the tetanus vaccines. These side effects are common to all types of tetanus shot. Most of these side effects are signs that your body is responding to build immunity against the disease.

Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site

Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects from receiving the tetanus vaccine. According to the CDC, it occurs in 2 in 3 adults that receive the Tdap vaccine. This should subside in a few days.

If pain or swelling is causing you discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) to help.

Fever

People receiving the tetanus vaccine can experience a mild fever of up to 100.4ºF (38ºC) following vaccination.

If you experience a mild fever following tetanus vaccination, OTC medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen can help.

Headache or other body aches

You may experience a headache or various aches and pains throughout your body after your tetanus vaccination. These side effects should subside shortly.

You can take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for aches.

Tiredness

You may feel tired or drowsy following your tetanus vaccination. This is a completely common side effect. Like many of the previously listed side effects, it’s a sign that your body and immune system are working hard to build up immunity.

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

Experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea is considered a mild side effect of the Tdap vaccine. The CDC estimates 1 in 10 adults receiving the Tdap vaccine will experience this side effect.

If you experience this, be sure to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid foods that could further upset your stomach.

Buy OTC pain medication here.

Serious side effects to the tetanus vaccine are very rare. However, if you experience any of these following your tetanus vaccination, seek immediate medical care.

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, the tetanus vaccine can cause an allergic reaction. Serious allergic reactions typically begin a few minutes to a few hours after vaccination.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below following your tetanus shot, call your doctor immediately.

hives
difficulty breathing
swelling of your face or throat
rapid heartbeat
dizziness
weakness

Severe pain, redness, swelling, or bleeding at the injection site

Mild to moderate pain, redness, or swelling can occur following tetanus vaccination.

However, if the injection site is bleeding or you experience pain, redness, or swelling that’s so severe that you can’t perform your usual activities, contact your doctor.

The CDC recommends that people of all ages receive the tetanus vaccine.

DTaP

The DTaP vaccine is recommended for children under the age of 7 years old.

DTaP vaccination should be given at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, and from 15 through 18 months. A booster is recommended for children between the ages of 4 and 6 years old.

Tdap

Tdap vaccination should be given to children at ages 11 or 12.

Additionally, adults who didn’t receive the Tdap vaccine at this age should receive a Tdap vaccination in place of their normal tetanus booster.

Td

Since protection from tetanus infection fades over time, adults should receive a Td booster shot every 10 years to remain protected.

Who shouldn’t receive the vaccination?

Talk to your doctor before receiving the tetanus vaccine if any of the following applies to you:

You’ve had a severe reaction to a previous dose of the tetanus vaccine, such as severe pain or swelling.
You’ve had a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of the tetanus vaccine.
You experienced seizure or coma following a dose of DTaP or Tdap. Adults fitting these criteria can still be given the Td vaccine. The DT vaccine can also be given to children under 7 years that are sensitive to the pertussis component of the vaccine.
You have seizures or other neurological problems.
You’ve had Guillain-Barré syndrome.
You’re feeling ill on the day you’re scheduled to receive your vaccination.

People of all ages should receive the tetanus vaccine.

If you believe you’re in need of your 10-year booster, see your doctor so that it can be administered. If you haven’t yet received the Tdap vaccine, you should receive it in lieu of your normal Td booster shot.

Keep records of when you receive your booster so that you know when you’re due for your next one.

If you have concerns regarding the tetanus vaccination or have ever had a severe or life-threatening reaction to the tetanus vaccine, be sure to discuss this with your doctor as well.

How long do side effects last from tetanus shot in adults?

Yes, this is normal, as pain at the injection site (where the needle goes into your arm) is one of the most common side effects of receiving the tetanus vaccine. These symptoms usually go away in a few days.

What are the side effects for DTaP shot for adults?

Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, mild fever, headache, feeling tired, and nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomachache sometimes happen after Tdap vaccination.

How long after Tdap vaccine can side effects occur?

These problems generally occur 1 to 3 days after the shot is given. Severe side effects are extremely rare. Learn more about side effects of the DTaP vaccine.

What are the long term side effects of tetanus shot?

The DTaP vaccine and Tdap vaccines are associated with a range of well-known side effects. They range from mild to severe. These risks include seizures, permanent brain damage known as encephalopathy and or encephalitis, bleeding disorders, harmful allergic reactions, pain and stiffness of the joints.