Vaccine (Toxoid)
Last reviewed July 2026
Who is this for?
This is a combination vaccine (injection) that helps your body build protection against two dangerous infections: tetanus (which causes painful muscle stiffness and lockjaw) and diphtheria (a serious throat infection that can block your breathing). It works by training your immune system to fight these diseases without actually giving you the diseases.
Activates humoral and cell-mediated immune responses by presenting inactivated tetanus and diphtheria toxoids to B and T lymphocytes, stimulating production of neutralizing antibodies (primarily IgG) against tetanospasmin and diphtheria toxin respectively. These antibodies bind to and neutralize the bacterial exotoxins, conferring protective immunity against both pathogens.
Prevention of tetanus (lockjaw), prevention of diphtheria, booster vaccination for adults and older children, wound management to prevent tetanus after injury from rusty nails or dirty cuts
Prescription Required
You need a doctor's prescription to buy this drug.
Explore this drug
If you miss a scheduled dose, go to the clinic as soon as you can. You do not need to restart the whole series; just continue from where you stopped. The important thing is to eventually complete all your doses.
Only receive this vaccine at a registered health facility, government clinic, or hospital, never from unqualified vendors or roadside sellers, as the vaccine must be properly stored in a cold chain to work. Make sure you complete all your doses and keep your vaccination card safe. If you step on a rusty nail or get a dirty wound, visit a hospital promptly, as you may need a booster dose even if you have been vaccinated before.
If you are taking medicines that weaken your immune system (such as steroids like prednisolone or cancer drugs), the vaccine may not work as well, so inform your doctor. Blood-thinning medicines like warfarin may increase bleeding at the injection site, so tell the nurse before receiving the shot. There are no known issues with alcohol, but it is wise to avoid drinking heavily around the time of vaccination.
Check your specific combination
Is it safe to take Tetanus with your other drugs?
This vaccine is considered safe and is actually recommended during pregnancy in Nigeria to protect both the mother and newborn baby from tetanus. It is routinely given to pregnant women at antenatal clinics.
This vaccine must be kept in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C. Do not freeze it, as freezing destroys the vaccine. It should not be left out in Nigerian heat or exposed to sunlight. This is why you should only receive it at a proper health facility that stores vaccines correctly.
For information only: not medical advice. Always talk to a doctor or pharmacist before changing your medication.
Names this drug is sold under, especially in Nigerian and West African pharmacies
Tap a brand for packaging, NAFDAC details and authenticity check
Counterfeit Drug Warning
Fake drugs are a serious problem in Nigeria. Always buy from a registered pharmacy. If the packaging looks different from what is described above, do not use it.