Side effects of tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine in adults

Tenderness, redness or swelling around the injection site is a common short-term response. You may also feel tired, achy or mildly feverish. These effects reflect an immune response and usually settle without special treatment.

The vaccine does not give you tetanus, diphtheria or polio. A sore throat after vaccination is not automatically caused by the vaccine and may need separate assessment if it is severe or persistent. Tell the vaccinator about allergies and previous vaccine reactions.

Move the arm gently, use a cool compress, rest and drink fluids. If discomfort or fever affects you, ask a pharmacist or clinician which medicine is suitable with your health conditions and other medicines.

Keep your vaccination record and follow the advice given by the vaccination service. Ask when a further dose or booster is due, especially if the vaccine was given after an injury or because your previous records were incomplete.

Call emergency services for trouble breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, widespread hives, collapse, or sudden severe weakness soon after vaccination. These symptoms may indicate a serious allergic reaction.

Contact a clinician if the injection-site swelling is rapidly worsening, fever is persistent, or you feel increasingly unwell. For background on vaccination schedules, see [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/), although adult advice should come from your own clinician.

Ask which vaccine components you are receiving, which reactions are expected, and how your allergies or previous reactions affect future doses. Ask how to report symptoms and when protection should be reviewed.