Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis Vaccine — Essential for All Travelers
Tdap vaccination protects against three serious bacterial diseases. A booster is required every 10 years and is essential for international travelers. Peel Travel Clinic offers Tdap booster vaccination. Available at our Mississauga travel clinic.
What Are Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis?
Tetanus (Lockjaw): A serious, potentially fatal bacterial infection acquired through contaminated wounds or cuts. Symptoms include severe muscle rigidity and paralysis. Vaccination is critical for all travelers.
Diphtheria: A serious bacterial disease causing thick membrane over throat, breathing difficulty, and potentially fatal complications including heart inflammation. Prevention through vaccination is essential.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough): A highly contagious respiratory disease causing severe coughing spells, especially dangerous for infants and elderly individuals. Vaccination provides community protection.
Who Needs the Tdap Vaccine?
- ✓ All adults requiring a booster (every 10 years)
- ✓ All international travelers
- ✓ Healthcare workers and those in contact with infants
- ✓ Anyone with uncertain vaccination history or booster status
Vaccine Details
Dose
Single intramuscular injection. Booster every 10 years for ongoing protection.
Protection
Immunity begins developing within 1 week. Full protection established within 2 weeks.
Duration
Protection lasts approximately 10 years. Routine booster every 10 years recommended.
Cost & Coverage
For current pricing, see our full vaccination fees page. Most travel vaccines are not covered by OHIP but may be reimbursable through private insurance or employer benefit plans — we provide official receipts for all vaccinations.
Td vs. Tdap
Td (Tetanus-Diphtheria): Protects against tetanus and diphtheria only. Used primarily for booster doses after childhood vaccination series.
Tdap (Tetanus-Diphtheria-acellular Pertussis): Includes protection against pertussis (whooping cough) in addition to tetanus and diphtheria. Recommended for adults, especially those in contact with infants or traveling to areas with pertussis outbreaks. Our physician will recommend the most appropriate vaccine for your needs.
Side Effects
Most people experience no or mild side effects:
Mild (Common)
Soreness, redness, or swelling at injection site; low-grade fever; mild fatigue or headache — resolve within 1-3 days.
Serious (Very Rare)
Severe allergic reactions are very rare. Our physician reviews your medical history and allergies before administration.
Who Should Not Get the Tdap Vaccine?
- • People with severe allergies to vaccine components
- • Those with a previous severe allergic reaction to this or similar vaccines
- • Individuals with acute, severe illness (wait until recovery)
Discuss your full medical history with our physician before vaccination.
40+
Years of Clinical Experience
ISTM
Travel Medicine Society Member
CAME
Transport Canada Designated
YF Centre
Yellow Fever Designated Centre
550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 107, Mississauga, Ontario L5R 4B8 · (905) 890-2757
Book Your Tdap Booster
Other Travel Vaccines
Disclaimer: Vaccine requirements and health recommendations vary by itinerary, medical history, and current health advisories. The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace a personalized travel health consultation. Please book an appointment with our physician for advice specific to your trip.