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Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Immune System

Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines

Vaccines are available to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which are serious bacterial infections that can cause severe health complications.

Understanding the Diseases

Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough) are serious bacterial infections:

  • Tetanus is an uncommon disease that requires immediate treatment in a hospital. It causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. It can lead to "locking" of the jaw.
  • Diphtheria usually affects the nose and throat. But it can also affect the skin and other body parts.
  • Whooping cough can cause uncontrollable coughing fits. It may begin like a cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months.

Vaccination Options

Vaccines can protect you from these diseases. In the U.S., there are three combination vaccines:

  • DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) prevents all three diseases. It is for babies and children under age 7. There are several different DTaP vaccines. Some of them also protect against other diseases.
  • Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) also prevents all three diseases. It is for older children and adults.
  • Td (tetanus and diphtheria) prevents those two diseases. It is for older children and adults. It is usually given as a booster dose every 10 years. You may also get it after 5 years if you get a severe or dirty wound or burn.

Important Considerations

Some people should not get these vaccines, including those who have had severe reactions to the shots before. Check with your health care provider first if you have seizures, a neurologic problem, or Guillain-Barre syndrome.

People with minor illnesses such as a cold can get vaccinated. But those who are more ill may need to wait until they feel better before getting some vaccines.

Frequently Asked Questions

dults generally need a Tdap booster once in their lifetime, followed by a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years to maintain protection against tetanus and diphtheria. However, if you sustain a severe or dirty wound, such as a deep puncture, a burn, or a wound contaminated with soil or feces, you may need a tetanus booster sooner. In these cases, if your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago, a booster is recommended. If it has been more than 10 years, or if you are unsure of your vaccination history, you should receive a booster immediately after the injury.
Individuals who have had a severe allergic reaction, such as anaphylaxis, to a previous dose of Tdap, Td, or any component of the vaccine should not receive another dose. Additionally, people who have developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous tetanus or diphtheria-containing vaccine should consult with their healthcare provider before getting a booster. If you have a moderate or severe acute illness with a fever, vaccination is usually delayed until you recover. However, minor illnesses like a cold or low-grade fever are not reasons to postpone vaccination.
Yes, the CDC and ACOG strongly recommend that all pregnant individuals receive the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks of gestation. This timing is critical because it allows the mother to transfer protective antibodies to the fetus, providing the newborn with protection against pertussis (whooping cough) during the first few months of life, before they are old enough to receive their own DTaP series. Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is safe for both the mother and the baby and is one of the most effective ways to prevent severe whooping cough in infants.
Common side effects of the Tdap vaccine are generally mild and include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, which usually resolves within a few days. Other possible side effects include low-grade fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. These symptoms are signs that the immune system is responding to the vaccine and are not indicative of a serious adverse reaction. If you experience severe pain, high fever, or signs of an allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing or hives, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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