The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend tetanus vaccinations for children and adults. Tetanus is a type of bacterial infection that can cause a wide range of symptoms, and that can potentially lead to fatal respiratory failure. The tetanus vaccine is generally considered safe for most people, and is specifically recommended for women who are pregnant. However, some vaccine recipients may experience severe allergic reactions, and cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) and vaccine-related shoulder injuries have been reported as well.

Which Type of Tetanus Vaccination Do You Need?

The tetanus vaccine comes in four different forms, and the CDC recommends different forms for individuals in different age groups. Each form combines the tetanus vaccine with the vaccine for diphtheria, pertussis or both:

  • DT – Diphtheria and tetanus vaccines
  • DTaP – Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccines
  • Td – Tetanus and diphtheria vaccines
  • Tdap – Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis booster vaccines

According to the CDC, “Babies and children younger than 7 years old receive DTaP or DT, while older children and adults receive Tdap and Td.” More specifically, the CDC’s recommended vaccination schedules provide that:

  • Babies should receive four doses of the DTaP vaccine at two, four, six, and 15 to 18 months of age;
  • Children should receive an additional DTaP shot between the ages of four and six years;
  • Children should receive a Tdap booster shot between the ages of 11 and 12 years;
  • Adults should receive a Tdap booster shot if they did not receive one as a child; and,
  • Adults should receive a Td booster vaccine every 10 years.

The DT vaccine is typically given to children who have had prior adverse reactions to the DTaP vaccine. This includes allergic reactions, brain and nervous system diseases, seizures, severe bouts of crying, and fevers above 105 degrees Fahrenheit.

What are the Risks Associated with DT, DTaP, Td and Tdap?

Along with the risks we just mentioned, individuals who receive DT, DTaP, Td and Tdap vaccinations are potentially at risk for other side effects and complications as well. These include:

  • Bleeding disorders
  • Brachial neuritis
  • Encephalopathy
  • Encephalitis
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
  • Joint pain and stiffness
  • Parsonage-Turner Syndrome
  • Shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA)

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with one of these medical conditions (or any other medical condition) as a result of a tetanus vaccination, it is important that you speak with a vaccine lawyer about your rights under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP). The VICP provides coverage for individuals’ and families’ medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering resulting from vaccine injuries, and many VICP claimants are able to receive compensation in as little as a few months. Learn more: About the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP).

Speak with a Vaccine Lawyer about Your Tetanus Vaccine Injury Claim

At Law Offices of Leah V. Durant & Associates, we provide nationwide legal representation for individuals diagnosed with vaccine-related injuries and illnesses. If you have questions about your legal rights, we encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. To speak with vaccine lawyer Leah V. Durant in confidence, please call (202) 775-9200 or submit your information online today.