Diphtheria and Tetanus Toxoids (Systemic)

Proper Use of This Vaccine

Dosing - The doses of DT and Td will be different for different patients. The following information includes only the average doses of DT and Td.

For DT
• For injection dosage form:
  • For prevention of diphtheria and tetanus:
    • Children up to 6 weeks of age - Use is not recommended.
    • Children 6 weeks to 1 year of age - One dose is given every four to eight weeks for a total of three doses. A fourth dose is given six to twelve months after the third dose. A booster (fifth) dose is given when the child is four to six years of age. The booster (fifth) dose is given only if the fourth dose was given before the child's fourth birthday. The doses are injected into a muscle.
    • Children 1 to 7 years of age - One dose is given at the first visit to the doctor, followed by a second dose four to eight weeks later. A third dose is given six to twelve months after the second dose. A booster (fourth) dose is given when the child is four to six years of age. The booster (fourth dose) is given only if the third dose was given before the child's fourth birthday. The doses are injected into a muscle.
    • Adults and children 7 years of age and over - Use is not recommended. Td should be used instead.

For Td
• For injection dosage form:
  • For prevention of diphtheria and tetanus:
    • Children up to 7 years of age - Use is not recommended. DT should be used instead.
    • Adults and children 7 years of age and over - One dose is given at the first visit to the doctor, followed by a second dose four to eight weeks later. A third dose is given six to twelve months after the second dose. You should receive a booster dose every ten years. In addition, if you get a wound that is unclean or hard to clean, you may need an emergency booster injection if it has been more than five years since your last booster dose. The doses are injected into a muscle.