Td vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria)

A MinuteClinic provider can talk to you about the risks and benefits of the Td vaccine as well as the risks and benefits of not getting it. If you decided you want the vaccine or have not had it in the last 10 years, your MinuteClinic provider can administer it.

1. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

If you made your appointment online:

Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.



If you made your appointment in the clinic:

Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.

4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.

5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Tetanus is caused by a type of bacteria that lives in the soil. They are all around us and can cause a bacterial infection that is sometimes referred to as “lockjaw.” Tetanus bacteria release a toxin that can cause painful muscle tightening and stiffening all over the body. Sometimes the muscle tightening is so severe that it interferes with breathing. Tetanus can be fatal, which is why it is important to receive a tetanus vaccine.

Diphtheria is also caused by bacteria. It causes a thick coating to form in your throat, and this coating can interfere with breathing. Diphtheria can also cause paralysis, heart failure and death. Before a vaccine was available, diphtheria sickened hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. every year. That number has decreased by 99% thanks to the vaccine.

We often think of “shots” as something that children get and that adults rarely need. In truth, the vaccines against tetanus and diphtheria only offer protection for about 10 years. They do not offer life-long protection, so getting a tetanus booster every 10 years (or if you have potentially been exposed to tetanus due to a dirty cut or burn) is important.

The main difference between the Td and Tdap shots is that the Tdap vaccine has added protection against pertussis (whooping cough), which can be life-threatening to infants.

People who are going to be around anyone pregnant, or young children and people who are at risk of serious complications from pertussis, may get the Tdap shot every 10 years rather than the Td shot. 

Tdap is also given to children when they are 11 or 12 years old and in every pregnancy to protect the newborn. Td is most commonly given after potential exposure to tetanus. Talk to your MinuteClinic® provider about whether the Td or Tdap vaccine is right for you.