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TDaP shot for Dyess
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Heather Phinney, 7th Medical Group, administers a shot for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis Aug. 2, 2012, at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas. A new Air Force policy mandates servicemembers receive the TDaP vaccine due to the rising numbers of whooping cough cases in the United States. Tetanus causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness, usually all over the body. It can lead to tightening of muscles in the head and neck so the victim cannot open his or her mouth or swallow, or sometimes even breathe. Diphtheria can cause a thick membrane to cover the back of the throat leading to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death. Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, causes severe coughing spells, which can lead to difficulty breathing, vomiting and disturbed sleep. Once the TDaP vaccine is received, a person is only required to get the Tetanus-Diphtheria vaccine every ten years. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Damon Kasberg/Released)