IMMUNIZATION – YOUR BEST PROTECTION

Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious diseases. Protect against these

three diseases: tetanus, diphtheria and polio with this vaccine.

In Ontario, tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccine is publicly funded for:

• Individuals, 7 years and older, who have not received tetanus, diphtheria in the past 10 years and require a polio booster if travelling to countries where polio is endemic

What is tetanus?

• also referred to as lockjaw, tetanus disease is caused by a toxin that can be found in dirt and dust
• affects normal control of nerve reflexes in the spinal cord
• even with early treatment, tetanus can kill 2 out of every 10 people who get it

How is tetanus spread?

An individual becomes infected with tetanus when the tetanus toxin enters the body through a puncture in the skin.

What is diphtheria?

• a disease of the nose, throat and skin caused by a bacteria
• causes breathing problems, heart failure and nerve damage
• kills 1 out of every 10 people who get the disease

How is diphtheria spread?

Spread of diphtheria diseases requires close, direct contact between people (ie. coughing, sneezing). Diphtheria disease can also spread if infected sores come into contact with healthy individuals.

What is polio?

• A virus that can cause nerve damage and paralyzes in approximately 1 in every 100 people who fall ill
• Death can occur from polio, however disease has decreased dramatically due to the success of immunizations

How is polio spread?

Polio is highly infectious and is spread primarily through fecal/oral contact

How safe is the tetanus, diphtheria, polio vaccine?

Vaccine are among the safest of modern medicine. The only individuals who should NOT receive this vaccine are those who:

• are ill with a fever or an infection
• have had an allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) to a past dose of this vaccine or any of its components (polymyxin B, neomycin, aluminum)

What are the side effects that I should watch for following vaccination?

Serious side effects from the vaccine are very rare (1:1,000,000). Most individuals have no problems following vaccination. Possible side effects include:

• redness and soreness where the needle was given
• itchiness, muscle ache, headache, dizziness, malaise
• allergic reactions (ie. hives, swelling and difficulty breathing) occur very rarely. If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately

Call your doctor if you develop any symptoms that are severe or last more than a few days.  Please note that serious side effects are very unlikely to occur and the benefits of the vaccine are much greater than the risks.

If you choose to receive this vaccine today, it is required that you wait two days before donating blood.

For more information on this vaccine, contact one of the numbers below and ask to

speak to a Nurse in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program.