Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Vaccines
Educational information. Individual clinical review of this presentation by Dr. Ehsan is not yet documented. It does not replace personal medical evaluation.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine. Read the original source
MedlinePlus data edition September 26, 2026. Imported September 27, 2026. These dates do not indicate a new clinical review of the article.
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.
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.
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 wait until they feel better before getting some vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Questions for your care team
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- How does this information apply to my situation?
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- Which tests are useful, and what can they tell us?
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- When is follow-up, and how will we know whether the plan is working?
For a life-threatening emergency, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number.
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