Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine

The tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine is provided free as part of the routine New Brunswick Immunization Schedule for adults. It is given as an injection in the upper arm.

Adults should have a Td vaccine every 10 years if they received a series earlier in life. To protect against pertussis (whooping cough), Tdap (a vaccine containing tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) should replace one of the doses of Td given every 10 years.

The vaccine can also be given to adults requiring a primary series. Consult your local Public Health office (Horizon, Vitalité) or health-care provider to learn more about the recommended schedule.

The Td vaccine is the best way to protect against tetanus and diphtheria, which are serious and sometimes fatal diseases. Tetanus causes painful muscle stiffness and can lead to serious health issues like difficulty swallowing and breathing. Diphtheria can cause breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis or even death.

When you are immunized, you also help protect others because vaccines reduce the spread of infectious diseases.

The vaccine should not be given if you had a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine in the past or are allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine or its container. 

Inform your immunization provider if you have any health problems or allergies.

Reactions to the vaccine are generally mild and last one to two days. Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, redness and swelling where the vaccine was given. Fever may also occur. For mild reactions, a cold compress at the injection site may reduce discomfort.  Ask a health-care provider what medicine is best to reduce fever.

With any vaccine, there is an extremely rare possibility (less than one in a million people) of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. For this reason, it is important to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes after receiving the vaccine. Signs of this reaction may include rash, difficulty breathing or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. This reaction can be treated. Seek immediate medical attention if you have left the vaccination site and develop serious symptoms.

If you experience unusual reactions to the vaccine or you have any questions or concerns, please contact your primary care provider, pharmacy, Public Health office or Tele-Care (811).

The Td vaccine is provided through health-care providers such as your family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Vaccination records for people aged 16 and older are available by registering online at MyHealthNB. To access your immunization record, please register or sign in to your account.

The paper record of immunization provided when vaccinated will continue to be the official record. Keep your immunization record in a safe place.

If the information on your record is incorrect or you received immunizations outside of New Brunswick and want them added, send an email to [email protected].

Immunizations administered prior to 1991 may not be readily accessible in MyHealthNB.  If your vaccination record is not available at MyHealthNB, contact the place you received your vaccines.