This vaccine is used to help prevent diphtheria and tetanus (lockjaw) in people 7 years and older. Vaccination is the best way to protect against these life-threatening diseases. This vaccine works by increasing the body's natural defense (immunity) against the bacteria.

Vaccines may not fully protect everyone who receives them.

Read all vaccine information available from your health care professional before receiving the vaccine. If you have any questions, ask your health care professional.

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

Vaccines are usually given in a series of doses to provide the best protection. Closely follow the vaccination schedule provided by your health care professional. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

This vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

Pain/redness/warmth/bruising/swelling at the injection site, tiredness, fever, or headache may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell the health care professional promptly.

Rarely, some people have symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears just after getting a vaccine injection. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms. Sitting or lying down may help, since these symptoms usually don't last long.

Remember that this vaccine has been prescribed because the health care professional has judged that the benefit to you or your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this vaccine do not have serious side effects.

Tell your health care professional right away if you or your child have any serious side effects, including:

• muscle weakness
• numbness/tingling
• severe pain/swelling at the injection site

A very serious allergic reaction to this vaccine is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact the health care professional.

Contact your health care professional for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may call the Vaccine Safety Section at Public Health Agency of Canada at 1-866-844-0018.

Before you receive this vaccine, tell the health care professional if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as thimerosal), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your health care professional for more details.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell your health care professional your medical history, especially of:

• current fever/illness
• vaccination history (including previous reactions to any vaccines)
• a certain nerve disorder (Guillain-Barre syndrome)
• immune system disorders (such as due to HIV infection, certain cancers such as leukemia/lymphoma, cancer or radiation treatment)

During pregnancy, this vaccine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your health care professional.

It is unknown if this vaccine passes into breast milk. Consult your health care professional before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your health care professional. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this vaccine are:

• drugs that weaken the immune system (such as cyclosporine, tacrolimus, cancer chemotherapy, corticosteroids such as prednisone)

Not applicable.

Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Keep vaccine records for yourself and your children and provide them to the health care professionals to prevent unnecessary re-vaccinations.

It is important that you or your child get each vaccination as scheduled. Ask when you or your child should get each dose and mark your calendar with a reminder. If you or your child miss a dose, call the health care professional to reschedule.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.