Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids (Systemic)
Before Receiving This VaccineIn deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of using the vaccine must be weighed
against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make.
For DT and Td, the following should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, DT, or Td. Also tell
your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances,
such as preservatives.
Pregnancy - This vaccine has not been shown to cause birth defects
or other problems in humans. Immunization of a pregnant woman can prevent
her newborn baby from getting tetanus at birth.
Breast-feeding - This vaccine has not been shown to cause problems
in nursing babies.
Children - For infants up to 6 weeks of age, use of DT or Td
is not recommended. For infants and children 6 weeks up to 7 years of age, Td is not recommended.
DT is used instead.
For children 7 years of age and older, DT is not recommended. Td is used
instead.
Older adults - DT is not recommended. Td is used instead. Td is
not expected to cause different side effects or problems in older people than
it does in younger adults. However, Td may be slightly less effective in older
people than in younger adults.
Other medical problems - The presence of other medical problems may affect
the use of DT or Td. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other
medical problems, especially:
-
Fever or
-
Infection or illness (severe) - Use of DT or Td may make the
condition worse or may increase the chance of side effects
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