Tdap Protection: Side Effects & Safety
Tetanus toxoid vaccines are used in Canada to help prevent infection from the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which can affect the nervous system and cause muscle spasms (including lockjaw), leading to severe illness.
Diphtheria toxoid vaccines are used in Canada to help prevent infection from the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, which can cause serious infections in the nose, throat and sometimes the skin.
Pertussis vaccines are used in Canada to help prevent infection from the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which can cause serious infections in the lungs and airways (whooping cough).
Tetanus toxoid, diphtheria toxoid and pertussis vaccines are available in Canada as a combination vaccine, known as the Tdap vaccine.
Like all medicines and vaccines, Tdap vaccines can cause side effects.
Not everyone will experience side effects, and when they do happen, they are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days. More serious side effects are rare, but they can occur.
This page explains some of the known benefits and risks of the Tdap vaccines that are approved for use in Canada:
- Adacel®
- Boostrix®
This information is based on official Product Monographs and guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) and the Canadian Immunization Guide. It does not replace a conversation with your healthcare provider. Always speak with your provider about what is right for you or your child.
Adacel®
Adacel® is a combined Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Adsorbed)
Common, usually mild side effects:
Most side effects are short-term (1–3 days) and similar to other routine vaccines. These reactions typically appear soon after vaccination and resolve on their own within a few days.
Where the needle goes in (injection site):
- Pain or soreness
- Redness
- Swelling
General Reactions:
- Headache
- Body aches
- Feeling tired (Fatigue)
- Sore or swollen joints
Some people — especially adolescents — may feel lightheaded or faint after any injection. For this reason, individuals are usually asked by healthcare providers to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after vaccination to reduce the risk of injury from fainting.
Rare, but more serious side effects:
Very rarely, a person can have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the face or throat
- Significant Hives (raised, red, itchy bumps or welts on your skin)
These reactions are medical emergencies. If they occur, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Who should not receive Adacel®?
This vaccine should not be given to individuals who:
- Have had a severe allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of Adacel®
- Have a known severe allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine
- Have had a serious nervous system disorder within 7 days after a previous pertussis vaccine
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history before vaccination.
Boosterix®
Boosterix® is a combined diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (adsorbed) vaccine for booster vaccination.
Common, usually mild side effects:
As with all vaccines, mild and temporary reactions may occur. These reactions are usually mild to moderate and resolve without treatment within a few days.
Where the needle goes in (injection site):
- Pain or soreness
- Redness
- Swelling
- Hard lump (Induration)
General:
- Headache
- Feeling Tired (Fatigue)
- Feeling Unwell (Malaise)
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Dizziness
Rare, but more serious side effects:
Very rarely, some people may feel lightheaded or faint after receiving this vaccine. For this reason, individuals are usually asked by healthcare providers to sit or lie down for 15 minutes after vaccination to reduce the risk of injury from fainting.
Very rarely, a person can have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Swelling of the face or throat
- Significant Hives (raised, red, itchy bumps or welts on your skin)
These reactions are medical emergencies. If they occur, call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Who should not receive Boosterix®?
This vaccine should not be given to individuals who:
- Have had a severe allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of Boosterix®
- Have a known severe allergy to any ingredient in the vaccine
- Have experienced problems of the nervous system (encephalopathy) within 7 days after previous vaccination with a vaccine against pertussis disease
- Have experienced problems with the brain or nerves after previous vaccination with a vaccine against diphtheria and/or tetanus.
- Have a severe infection with a high temperature (over 40°C)
Your healthcare provider will review your medical history before vaccination.
Special Situations
Your healthcare provider may discuss Tdap vaccines in more detail if:
- You are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- You have a weakened immune system
- You have a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccines or injectable medicines
Tdap vaccines are not live vaccines and cannot cause tetanus, diphtheria or pertussis infections.
Product Monographs & Additional Information
Product monographs are technical documents. If you have questions or would like detailed medical information, your healthcare provider can review these documents with you:
- Adacel® – Full safety and prescribing information
- Boostrix® – Full safety and prescribing information
- Canadian Immunization Guide on Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Vaccines
- Canadian Immunization Guide on Diphtheria Toxoid Vaccines
- Canadian Immunization Guide on Tetanus Toxoid Vaccines
Disclaimer:
This page provides general information about Tdap vaccines, including side-effects, and available vaccines in Canada. It does not recommend, promote, or endorse any specific product. For guidance tailored to you or your child, please consult a healthcare provider.
The materials presented are developed by Praxus Health. Any financial supporters do not participate in developing editorial content. All content is developed, reviewed, and approved independently to ensure balance and accuracy.