Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Vaccine for Adults
In this article
- When Should Adults Be Vaccinated With Tdap?
- Who Needs a Booster Shot?
- Who Should Not Get the Vaccine?
- What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Tdap and Td?
- Can Adults Have Allergic Reactions to Tdap or Td Vaccines?
What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Tdap and Td? continued...
Mild side effects of Td may include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling in the arm where the shot was given
- Mild fever
- Headache
In some people, these side effects may be more intense. They may temporarily interfere with daily activities. Severe swelling of the arm has been reported in three out of 100 people receiving either Tdap or Td. About one in 250 adults who receive the Tdap vaccine develop a fever of 102 F or higher.
During clinical trials of Tdap, two adults developed temporary nervous system problems. It's unknown whether this was due to the vaccine or not. In rare cases, vaccination with Tdap or Td has led to extreme swelling of the arm where the shot was given.
Can Adults Have Allergic Reactions to Tdap or Td Vaccines?
Although it's rare, someone may have a severe allergic reaction to an ingredient in the Tdap or Td vaccine. This generally happens in less than one in a million doses. Most of the time, such reactions occur within a few minutes of receiving the vaccine. The following can be signs of a severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis:
- Behavior changes
- Breathing difficulty, including wheezing
- Dizziness
- Hoarse voice
- High fever
- Hives
- Pale skin
- Rapid heart beat
- Weakness
Seek immediate medical care if you notice any of these signs after receiving the Tdap or Td vaccines.