Tetanus can occur anywhere in the world in inadequately vaccinated persons.
Diphtheria and Pertussis are more frequent in parts of the world where vaccination levels are low.
Diphtheria is a very contagious and potentially life-threatening infection. It can attack the nerves and heart and leave you with severe, life-long complications. Diphtheria is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a bacterium. The bacterium produces a toxin (poison) that is carried in the bloodstream. Diphtheria is a serious risk for travelers, particularly in Eastern Europe where many people are not vaccinated. Diphtheria bacteria live in the mouth, nose, throat, or skin of infected persons and it spreads from person to person very easily. A traveler can get Diphtheria by breathing in Diphtheria bacteria after an infected person has coughed or sneezed. People also get Diphtheria from close contact with discharges from an infected person's mouth, nose, throat, or skin. Symptoms include a sore throat and mild fever, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph glands. If you are traveling to any part of the world where Diphtheria is endemic, especially if you are going to be in close quarters, you are at high risk of contracting Diphtheria. Diphtheria is easily preventable with the Tetanus/Diptheria or Tetanus/Diphtheria/Pertussis vaccine.
Tetanus is another vaccine preventable disease that can be fatal even with intense supportive treatment (up to 20% of all cases). Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani which lives in the soil worldwide. Tetanus is a global problem occurring in unimmunized persons after an uncleaned wound or cut. Tetanus is characterized by uncontrolled muscle spasms caused by the neurotoxin that attacks the central nervous system. Seizures are not uncommon. All travelers should receive the Tetanus vaccine since any injury can expose the individuals to the spores.
Pertussis is a highly contagious disease of the respiratory tract caused by Bortedella Pertussis that kills close to 300,000 humans every year. It is transmitted by direct contact with airborne discharges from infected persons. Most fatalities occur in the new born population and infants in underdeveloped countries. Patients with respiratory Pertussis require hospitalization, immediate treatment with Pertussis antitoxin, appropriate antibiotics, and supportive care. It is recommended that all travelers receive a vaccine to protect themselves against Pertussis.
There are two options for vaccination against these diseases: Diphtheria and Tetanus (Td) vaccine and Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis (Tdap - Adacel) vaccine. Age and immunization history govern which is right for you and when you need them. Be sure to discuss the options with your Passport Health Travel Medicine Specialist.
Sources: CDC Vaccine Information Statements (VISs):
Td Vaccine 6/10/94 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-26 and
Tdap Vaccine (7/12/06) U.S.C. 42 §300aa-26
So, if you are asking yourself, “what shots do I need?” click here to locate the Passport Health location nearest you, or call 888-499-PASS (7277).
You can also click here to learn more about diseases and vaccines that may impact your trip.
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