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Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis are serious illnesses caused by bacteria. Tetanus enters the body through cuts and wounds, while diphtheria and pertussis are spread via air.

Tetanus causes a painful stiffening of your muscles. Diphtheria can cause difficulty breathing, paralysis, heart failure, and even death. Lastly, pertussis (also known as whooping cough) may lead to uncontrollable violent coughing that makes it hard to breathe, eat, or drink. It’s especially dangerous for infants and young children.

For centuries, these serious diseases took the lives of millions of people around the world. Today, people are vaccinated against these illnesses throughout their life to protect them from contracting tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

While many people receive these vaccines with little to no side effects, some people may experience serious injuries as a result of DTaP and TDaP vaccinations. These reactions include shoulder injuries (SIRVA), Encephalitis, Brachial Neuritis, Encephalomyelitis ("ADEM"), allergic reactions, Encephalopathy, seizures, and other injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured by a TDaP or DTaP vaccine, you may be entitled to compensation from the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP) in the U.S. Federal Court of Claims. Call our vaccine injury attorneys today at (312) 578-9501 or fill out the form on this page to get started.

To learn more about TDaP vaccine injuries, keep reading.

What are TDaP and DTaP vaccines?

Both of these vaccinations protect people against contracting and spreading diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. No matter what age, everyone is encouraged by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to vaccinate regularly against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

However, these vaccines are given at different times, according to the vaccine schedule for children and adults.

The DTaP vaccine is given to children younger than 7 years old. The CDC recommends that children get 5 doses of DTaP, typically at the following ages:

  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 15-18 months
  • 4-6 years

As immunity diminishes over time, it is recommended that adults and teenagers receive the TDaP vaccine every ten (10) years. Pregnant women should get a TDaP vaccine during pregnancy to help protect their newborn from pertussis (whooping cough).

What are TDaP Vaccine Side Effects?

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people may experience the following side effects after receiving a TDaP or DTaP vaccine:

  • Pain and swelling at the injection site
  • Drowsiness or fussiness
  • Vomiting
  • Mild fever
  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Nausea or stomachache
  • Diarrhea

These symptoms often resolve within a few days after getting vaccinated. If these symptoms persist, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.

Injuries and Reactions Linked To TDaP & DTaP Vaccines

TDaP and DTaP vaccines have been known to cause the following adverse injures and reactions:

How to Report TDaP Vaccine Reactions

If you experience an adverse reaction to a tetanus vaccine, you may be wondering how you can report it to the government. We recommend that everyone who suffers a vaccine injury or side effect report it to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).

VAERS allows the Department of Health and Human Services to collect data on vaccine injuries and side effects. It is not, however, a claim for compensation. To do that, you would have to file a petition in the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

Compensation Available For TDaP Vaccine Injuries

If you or a loved one has suffered from a reaction or injury after receiving a TDaP vaccine within the last three (3) years, you may be eligible for compensation from the federal program called the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program.

This program offers a “no-fault” alternative to traditional lawsuits. Vaccine injury petitions can be filed by any individual after developing a serious adverse reaction from a covered vaccine that lasts more than six months. Under the VICP, the TDaP and DTaP vaccines are covered.

Our vaccine injury attorney published a book called Understanding the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. You can request your free copy here. 

To discuss your potential claim, please call us at 312-578-9501. You can also submit a contact form below. Our consultations are always free. Moreover, for vaccine injury claims, our representation comes at no cost to our clients. We represent individuals from all 50 states as well.

Vaccine Injuries Book

Download your free copy of Vaccine Injuries: Understanding the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program by attorney Jonathan Svitak.

In this publication, Jonathan explains the history of this unique federal program and answers some of your most frequently asked questions about vaccine injury cases.