Generic Name: DIPHTHERIA AND TETANUS TOXOIDS COMBINED (PEDIATRIC) - INJECTION
Pronounced: (dip-THEER-ee-uh AND TET-un-us TOX-oids)

Tetanus,Diphtheria Toxd Ped-PF IM Uses

This medication is used to help prevent problems that may occur with 2 bacterial infections in children (tetanus and diphtheria). Tetanus (lockjaw) and diphtheria can cause serious, sometimes fatal problems (heart problems, nerve problems, muscle paralysis).

Vaccination is the best way to protect (provide immunity) against these life-threatening diseases. Vaccines work by getting the body to make its own protection (antibodies).

This vaccine is recommended for all children 6 weeks to 7 years old. Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids (pediatric) injection should never be used in anyone 7 years or older because it contains higher amounts of the toxoids than the vaccine meant for people older than 7 years. Older children and adults may have more severe reactions to the higher amounts.

How To Use Tetanus,Diphtheria Toxd Ped-PF IM

Read the Vaccine Information Statement available from your health care provider before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, consult your health care provider.

This vaccine is given by injection into the muscle of the thigh or upper arm by a health care professional.

For infants 6 weeks through 12 months, 3 injections are given 4 to 8 weeks apart. A fourth dose is given 6 to 12 months after the third injection.

For children 1 to 6 years (up to the seventh birthday), 2 injections are given 4 to 8 weeks apart. A third dose is given 6 to 12 months after the second injection.

A booster dose is required for all children between 4 to 6 years of age if all of the injections of the series were given before the age of 4 years.

Booster doses should be given every 10 years for all children 7 years of age or older and adults. Only the vaccine for adults should be used in these cases.

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