Tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis vaccine
Tetanus bacteria infect cuts or wounds. Illness includes an acute, often fatal neuromuscular disease. Diphtheria bacteria infect the throat and produce a toxin that may be life-threatening. Pertussis (whooping cough) bacteria infect respiratory tissue, and illness includes a severe chronic cough. Diphtheria and pertussis are transmitted mainly through respiratory droplets. Adult travelers should have completed a primary series of childhood vaccine against these 3 diseases and have had 1 dose of tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (Tdap) vaccine subsequently. A booster dose of tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine (Tdap for travelers) is given every 10 years thereafter. Side effects are rare.