Diphtheria and tetanus are serious diseases caused by bacteria.

Diphtheria can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure, or death.

Tetanus (lockjaw) causes painful tightening of the muscles that can lead to "locking" of the jaw so the victim cannot open the mouth, swallow, or breathe. Tetanus can lead to death.

Diphtheria is spread from person to person. Tetanus enters the body through a cut or wound.

The diphtheria and tetanus toxoids vaccine (also called DT) is used to help prevent these diseases in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 years old (before the 7th birthday).

This vaccine helps your child's body develop immunity to these diseases, but will not treat an active infection the child already has.

Like any vaccine, the diphtheria and tetanus toxoids vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Becoming infected with diphtheria or tetanus is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving this vaccine.

This vaccine is given as an injection (shot) into a muscle.

This vaccine is given in a series of shots starting as early as 6 weeks of age. The first shot is usually given when the child is 2 months old.

The booster shots are then given at 4 months, 6 months, and 15 to 18 months of age, and again between 4 and 6 years of age.

Your child's booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by your local health department.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Diphtheria Prophylaxis:

6 weeks to under 7 years old:
5 dose series: 0.5 mL intramuscularly at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months, and at 4 to 6 years of age

Comments:
-The first dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Tetanus Prophylaxis:

6 weeks to under 7 years old:
5 dose series: 0.5 mL intramuscularly at 2, 4, 6, and 15 to 18 months, and at 4 to 6 years of age

Comments:
-The first dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age.

Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has ever had a life threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing diphtheria or tetanus.

Tell the vaccination provider if your child was born prematurely, or if the child has ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (within 6 weeks after receiving a tetanus vaccine).

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

The pediatric version of this vaccine (DT) should not be given to anyone who is 7 years or older. Another vaccine is available for use in older children and adults.

Contact your doctor if you miss a booster dose or if you get behind schedule. The next dose should be given as soon as possible. There is no need to start over.

Be sure your child receives all recommended doses of this vaccine, or the child may not be fully protected against disease.

An overdose of this vaccine is unlikely to occur.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if your child has signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Keep track of all side effects your child has. If the child receives a booster dose, tell the vaccination provider if the previous shot caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with diphtheria or tetanus is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving this vaccine. However, like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects but the risk of serious side effects is low.

Call your doctor at once if your child has:

• severe drowsiness;

• breathing that stops during sleep; or

• nervous system problems--numbness, pain, tingling, weakness, burning or prickly feeling, vision or hearing problems, trouble breathing.

Your child may feel faint after receiving this vaccine.

Common side effects include:

• fussiness or crying;

• fever; or

• loss of appetite, feeding problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report vaccine side effects to the US Department of Health and Human Services at 1-800-822-7967.

The vaccine may not work as well if your child receives drugs or treatments that can weaken the immune system, including:

• an oral, nasal, inhaled, or injectable steroid medicine;

• chemotherapy or radiation cancer treatments;

• medications to treat psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or other autoimmune disorders; or

• medicines to treat or prevent organ transplant rejection.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect this vaccine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.