Uses

This vaccine is given to provide protection (immunity) against tetanus (lockjaw) in adults and children 7 years or older. Vaccination is the best way to protect against this life-threatening disease. Vaccines work by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies). Tetanus vaccine is usually first given to infants with 2 other vaccines for diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis) in a series of 3 injections. This vaccine is usually used as a "booster" vaccine after this first series. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by the health care professional.

Booster injections may be needed at the time of injury in older children and adults if it has been 5-10 years since the last tetanus vaccine was received. Booster injections should also be given every 10 years even if no injury has occurred. This injection or an injection with tetanus/diphtheria or tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis may be used for the booster.

How To Use

Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care professional.

This vaccine is given by injection into a muscle by a health care professional, usually into the upper arm or upper thigh.

This vaccine should not be given to people who currently have an infection/illness. If possible, schedule the vaccination later after the illness is over.

Side Effects

Mild fever, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, or pain/itching/swelling/redness at the injection site may occur. Acetaminophen may be used to reduce these effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell the health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your health care professional has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell the health care professional right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• numbness/tingling of the hands/feet
• hearing problems
• trouble swallowing
• muscle weakness
• seizures

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your health care professional.

Contact the health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Precautions

Before you or your child receives this vaccination, tell the health care professional if you or your child is allergic to it; or to any other vaccines; or if you or your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before using this vaccine, tell the health care professional your or your child's medical history, especially of:

• history of severe reaction to vaccine (such as paralysis, encephalopathy)
• history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
• high fever (higher than 103 degrees F/39 degrees C) after previous vaccination
• other reaction (such as swelling, itching at injection site) after previous vaccination
• immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment)
• illness/infection
• seizures
• other nervous system disorders (such as paralysis, numbness/tingling, extreme drowsiness, confusion)

This vaccine may contain mercury (in the preservative thimerosal) and should not be used by children younger than 7 years.

During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care professional.

It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine are:

• drugs that weaken the immune system (including cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone)
• other recent/planned vaccinations (such as diphtheria/tetanus toxoids)

Overdose

Not applicable.

Notes

There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on you or your child's age, medical condition, and any previous reactions to vaccines, the health care professional will decide which vaccine to use. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with the health care professional. History of infection with tetanus does not protect against future infections with this bacteria. You or your child should still receive this vaccine if the health care professional orders it.

Missed Dose

It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to make a note of when the vaccination was last given for your/your child's medical record.

Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.