• Tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw, is a disease caused by bacteria that live in soil and dirt. Infection occurs when the bacteria gets into cuts and wounds. Tetanus causes serious and painful spasms in muscles. This can lead to an inability to open your mouth, swallow or breathe and can result in death.

(See more information below.)

• Diphtheria is a disease caused by bacteria that is spread by close contact with someone who is infected with diphtheria.
• Diphtheria causes a thick coating to form in the nose, throat and airway. It can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis and death.
  

• Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a bacterial infection of the respiratory tract. It usually leads to severe coughing spells, with vomiting and a whoop when the person finally takes a breath. The disease can last for weeks or months.
• Complications of pertussis include seizures or convulsions, pneumonia and brain damage.
  

• In Canada, tetanus and diphtheria are very uncommon because of routine immunization.
• Pertussis continues to be a frequent cause of cough illness, in children, adolescents and adults.
  

• Get vaccinated with tetanus/ diphtheria/ pertussis vaccine.
• The vaccine is given by a needle in the arm and is very effective.
  

• The vaccine contains diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis toxoids. Aluminum phosphate and 2 - phenoxyethanol are added as preservatives. This vaccine does not contain thimerosal.
  

• All children in grade 8.
• Children, 7 years and older who have not been previously immunized.
  

• Persons who have had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine
• Persons who have had a serious allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine.
• Persons who received a Td booster within the last five years.
• Anyone who has a serious illness, with or without a fever, on the day they are to be immunized. A mild illness, with or without a fever, is not a reason to avoid immunization.
  

• Most people who get this vaccine have no side effects. If there are side effects they usually start within an hour, but can start within one or two days after vaccination and may last 1-2 days.
• Reactions reported are: swelling, soreness, and redness where the needle was given.
• Other reactions may include fever, headache, decreased energy, bodyache, nausea and diarrhea.
• Neurological complications are rare.
  

• Report any adverse or unexpected reactions to your local public health nurse or your doctor as soon as possible.
• Talk to your public health nurse if:
• you have questions or concerns about your child's reaction to immunization; or,
• you had to take your child to your doctor, hospital or health centre with an illness that might be related to the immunization.

For more information contact your local public health office OR your physician.