Diphtheria and tetanus toxoid vaccine

A toxoid is a toxin that has been treated so it cannot produce the toxin's harmful effect, while still helping the immune system recognise it. Diphtheria and tetanus vaccines use this approach. The body makes defences that can respond if it later encounters the relevant toxin.

Tetanus bacteria can enter through a wound, while diphtheria can spread between people and affect the throat. A vaccine supports prevention, but a wound still needs cleaning and a throat illness may need assessment. Antibiotic Treatment may be part of treatment for some bacterial illnesses, but it does not replace vaccination.

Show the vaccinator your previous records and mention allergies, pregnancy, immune suppression, current illness and any serious reaction after an earlier dose. If a wound prompted the visit, explain when it happened, how deep it is and whether it was contaminated. The clinician can then decide whether routine vaccination, a booster or additional wound care is needed.

Mild arm pain, redness, swelling, tiredness or a short-lived fever can occur after the injection. Follow the aftercare advice provided. Childhood timing is covered in Childhood Immunisation.

Seek emergency care for breathing trouble, throat or facial swelling, collapse or widespread hives after vaccination. Contact a clinician promptly if the wound worsens, you develop increasing stiffness or spasms, or the injection site becomes increasingly painful. Severe throat pain with difficulty swallowing or breathing also needs urgent assessment; see Sore Throat.

Ask whether the vaccine is being given for routine protection or because of a wound, which dose is due, and whether another product is needed. Ask how to monitor the injection site and which symptoms should trigger urgent help.