Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis are infectious diseases that can be transmitted through contact with the environment or infected individuals. All three diseases… can be severe enough to cause death. Combined vaccination is therefore another method to help reduce the risk of these diseases.
Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis, these three diseases… can be life-threatening
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- Tetanus is caused by the toxin of the tetanus bacteria found in the general environment entering the body through wounds, causing neurological and muscular symptoms such as jaw stiffness, neck stiffness, convulsions, difficulty breathing, and can be severe enough to cause death.
- Diphtheria is caused by a bacterial infection that is easily transmitted through contact with secretions or droplets from the nose and throat of infected patients or carriers, causing severe throat inflammation, formation of a membrane blocking the airway, and may lead to heart failure.
- Pertussis, or whooping cough, is caused by a bacterial infection that is easily transmitted through contact with secretions or droplets from the nose and throat of infected patients or carriers, causing inflammation of the respiratory mucosa, severe coughing, continuous coughing leading to difficulty breathing. In young children, complications such as apnea and rib fractures from coughing may occur, which can result in death.
Combined vaccine for prevention of Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
The combined vaccine for prevention of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis is made from the toxins of tetanus bacteria, diphtheria bacteria, and components of pertussis bacteria. It does not cause disease in vaccinated individuals and is administered as a single intramuscular injection in the upper arm.
Who “should” receive the combined vaccine for Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
If you have never received a tetanus vaccine before, you should receive 3 doses of tetanus vaccine at 0, 1, and 6 months, followed by a booster every 10 years. For individuals aged 19-64 years who have indications for tetanus vaccination, consideration should be given to using the combined Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis vaccine instead of the tetanus vaccine alone or the combined diphtheria-tetanus vaccine once, which can replace any one tetanus vaccine dose.
Who “should avoid or postpone” receiving the combined vaccine for Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
Individuals with the following conditions should avoid receiving the combined tetanus vaccine:
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- Those who have had severe allergic reactions to previous vaccines containing tetanus, diphtheria, or pertussis components, or allergies to any ingredients in the vaccine should avoid receiving the combined tetanus vaccine.
- Those who have had neurological disorders such as coma, decreased consciousness, or prolonged seizures of unknown cause within 7 days after receiving a previous vaccine containing pertussis components should avoid receiving the combined tetanus vaccine.
- If you have a fever or acute illness, vaccination should be postponed until recovery.
- If you have a mild cold without fever, vaccination can be given.
Possible side effects after receiving the combined vaccine for Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
Vaccines, like medicines, may cause severe allergic reactions. However, serious adverse reactions to vaccines are very rare. Most people who receive the combined Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis vaccine do not experience problems. Common reactions after vaccination include pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site, which usually resolve within 1-2 days. Fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue may also occur. If there is pain or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress. If other abnormal symptoms occur, consult a doctor.
Note:
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- There is insufficient data regarding vaccination in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Decisions to vaccinate during pregnancy and breastfeeding depend on risk-benefit assessment.
- If in doubt, consult a doctor.
