Diphtheria and tetanus toxoid is a combination vaccine. It helps protect against diphtheria (a contagious bacterial infection that affects the linings of the nose and throat) and tetanus (a bacterial infection that causes painful contractions of the neck and jaw muscles).
It works by getting your body to produce antibodies (proteins that are produced by the immune system which help in fighting infections) to protect you against the bacteria that cause diphtheria or tetanus.
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoid vaccine is to be given intramuscularly (into the muscle).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The total number of injections you will receive will be decided by your doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Diphtheria and tetanus toxoid vaccine.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Diphtheria and tetanus toxoid vaccine if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this vaccine or any of its ingredients.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bleeding disorder
- thrombocytopenia (lower than normal platelet count in the blood)
- history of Arthus-type allergic reaction (an allergic reaction characterised by local swelling, redness, and pain that can occur after vaccination)
- moderate or severe illness (with or without fever)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Diphtheria and tetanus toxoid vaccine may cause any of the following side effects: pain at the injection site, fever, nausea, muscle pain, headache, and dizziness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- muscle weakness or pain, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands and feet, problem with balance and coordination
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines used in organ transplants or certain immune disorders
- medicines for cancer
- anti-inflammatory medicines
- blood-thinning medicines
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Diphtheria and tetanus toxoid vaccine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8 °C.
Do not freeze Diphtheria and tetanus toxoid vaccine otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.