Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccination

Unlike most other infections, tetanus enters the body through breaks in the skin. This is most often cuts or wounds made by contaminated objects.

Symptoms can be severe and include: jaw cramping, muscle spasms and changes in blood pressure or heart rate. Infection can lead to serious complications such as broken bones, blood clots or respiratory failure.

Vaccination has played a key role in reducing annual cases to less than 50 in the United Kingdom.

Around 100 years ago, diphtheria killed over 15,000 children each year. This bacteria disease spreads from person-to-person through droplets from coughing or sneezing. These droplets can stay on surfaces, like tables or toys, for long periods of times.

Diphtheria produces a toxin that can cause weakness, sore throat, fever and swollen neck glands. If the toxin enters the blood stream, there can be serious complications. About 10 percent of patients die, with treatment. Nearly 50 percent will die without.

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection. The bacteria enters the body through the respiratory system and releases toxins. These damage the airway and cause swelling.

Infection is usually person-to-person from those in close contact. Babies will often catch the disease from parents, siblings or caregivers.

Symptoms come on anywhere from five days to three weeks after exposure. Early symptoms are most dangerous for babies under one year and include: runny nose, fever, cough and pauses in breathing.

After a few weeks the disease can progress to later stages. These feature fits of rapid coughing, vomiting and heavy fatigue. Pertussis can lead to pneumonia, brain disease and even rib fractures. Ensure you and your children are protected.

The best protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis is through vaccination. There are a few variations available depending on age and need. Some variants also include polio vaccination.

All these vaccines have been shown to be safe and effective by the NHS, WHO and other health organisations.

Types of Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis Vaccination
	Protection Against			Protection For
	Tetanus	Diphtheria	Pertusis	Children	Mixed	Adults
DTaP
Tdap
Td

The NHS and other health organisations recommend everyone be vaccinated and up-to-date on all tetanus, diphteria and pertussis vaccinations and boosters. These are serious infections that can harm children, pensioners and everyone in between.

Teens and preteens should receive a booster dose. Adults should get a booster vaccination every 10 years.

Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis are common in many parts of the world. Outbreaks can occur in developed countries like the United States or Canada.

If you are a travelling to a region with any of these active infections, ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date.

Passport Health locations across the North America carry these vaccines in-stock for your visit. Ring or book online now to schedule your vaccination appointment.