Tetanus and diphtheria vaccine in pregnancy

Pregnancy is a reason to review vaccination carefully, not to make assumptions. Your clinician considers the vaccine formulation, stage of pregnancy, previous doses, local recommendations, allergies, and any current illness. Tetanus protection matters because the infection can enter through wounds, while diphtheria can affect the throat and breathing.

A sore throat during pregnancy has many possible causes and does not by itself show diphtheria. Breathing difficulty or inability to swallow needs urgent assessment. Read [Sore Throat](/symptoms/sore-throat/) for symptom guidance.

Tell the clinician how far along the pregnancy is, bring your antenatal and immunisation records, and mention previous vaccine reactions, allergies, immune conditions, or medicines. If a record is incomplete, the clinician can work from the information available and explain the options.

After a dose, soreness at the injection site, tiredness, or a mild fever may occur. Ask what comfort measures are suitable in pregnancy and which symptoms should prompt a call. Antibiotics are not a substitute for vaccination; [Childhood Immunisation](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/childhood-immunisation/) explains the broader role of vaccine schedules.

Contact your maternity team or clinician if you feel unwell after vaccination and symptoms are worsening or concerning. Seek emergency care for facial swelling, wheezing, fainting, or difficulty breathing.

During pregnancy, urgent assessment is also needed for severe shortness of breath, inability to swallow fluids, or a rapidly worsening throat illness. These warning signs should not be attributed to a normal vaccine reaction without assessment.

Ask why vaccination is recommended for you, when it should be given, which product is planned, and how your previous doses affect the decision. Discuss what to do if you develop fever or pain afterward and whether any scheduled appointment should change.