Navajo County Public Health Services
Nursing Services
Tetanus & Diphtheria Vaccine (Td)
Tetanus
Tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria are serious diseases. Tetanus is caused by a germ
that enters the body through a cut or wound.
Tetanus causes
Serious painful spasms of all muscles
It can lead to
"Locking" of the jaw so the patient cannot open his or her mouth or swallow.
Diphtheria
Diphtheria spreads when germs pass from an infected person to the nose or throat.
Diphtheria causes
A thick coating in the nose, throat, or airway.
It can lead to
breathing problems - heart failure - paralysis
When should you get Td vaccine?
Td is made for people 7 years of age and older.
People who have not gotten at least 3 doses of any tetanus and diphtheria vaccine
(DTP, DTaP, or DT during their lifetime should do so using Td. After a person gets
the third dose, a Td booster should be given every 10 years.
For more information, visit your local health department or Center for Disease Control
and Prevention, Arizona Department of Health.
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