Caused by a germ that enters the body through a cut or wound.
Can cause "locking" of the jaw so that you would not be able to open you mouth or swallow.
Kills 3 out of every 10 people who contract the disease in the United States.
Diptheria:
Can spread when germs are passed from an infected person to the nose or throat of others.
Causes a thick coating in the nose, throat, or airway.
Can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, paralysis, and death.
Rare in the United States because of the success with immunization.
Pertussis:
Commonly referred to as whooping cough.
Causes severe coughing spells which can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting, and disturbed sleep.
Can lead to weight loss, incontinence, rib fractures and passing out from violent coughing.
Up to 2 in 100 adolescents & 5 in 100 adults with pertussis are hospitalized or have complications, including pneumonia or death.
Spreads easily from person to person.
Vaccination with Td is indicated every 10 years to maintain immunity, Tdap is given only once.
In the event of an injury for which Tetanus prevention is indicated, the vaccine may be given if it has been greater than 5 years since last vaccinated.
These immunizations do not prevent other bacterial infections; therefore, wound observation and care is of extreme importance.
Contraindications: History of an allergy to either Diptheria, Tetanus, and/or Pertussis.
Warning: A recent lung or other infection is reason to delay routine vaccination or booster shot but not if an emergency vaccination is needed.
Side Effects:
Mild= Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given. If these problems occur, they usually start within hours or up to 1 or 2 days after vaccination and may last 2 days. You may use acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (non-aspirin) to reduce soreness.
Severe= As with any medication, there are very small risks that serious problems, even death, could occur after getting a vaccine.
Immediate= Serious allergic reaction.
Delayed= (2 days to 4 weeks after the shot and may last many months) Deep aching pain and muscle wasting at the injection site.
If you have a serious or unusual problem after getting these vaccines, call your physician's office or go to a medical facility promptly.
If you have a reaction to the vaccine, write down exactly what happened and report to a nurse here at Student Health Services. Call (337) 482-5464.
