From the Guidelines
Ear ringing is not a reported side effect of the Tdap vaccine, and any occurrence is likely coincidental or related to another cause. The Tdap vaccine, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, typically causes mild side effects such as pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache, fatigue, and occasionally nausea or vomiting, as noted in a study by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) 1. These reactions usually resolve within a few days. Serious side effects from Tdap are rare. Some key points to consider about the Tdap vaccine side effects include:
- Local reactions, such as erythema and induration, are common after administration of vaccines containing diphtheria, tetanus, or pertussis antigens 1
- Mild systemic reactions, such as fever, drowsiness, fretfulness, and anorexia, occur frequently, but are self-limited and can be safely managed with symptomatic treatment 1 If you experience ear ringing after receiving the Tdap vaccine, it's essential to consult with your healthcare provider to evaluate the symptom and determine its cause. They can help determine if it's related to the vaccine or if there's another explanation that requires treatment. In clinical practice, it's crucial to consider the potential causes of ear ringing and evaluate the patient's overall health to provide appropriate care.
From the Research
Ear Ringing as a Side Effect of Tdap Vaccine
- The Tdap vaccine is known to have various side effects, but ear ringing, also known as tinnitus, is not a commonly reported one.
- A study published in 2023 2 investigated the prevalence of new-onset tinnitus after COVID-19 vaccination and compared it to other vaccinations, including Tdap. The study found that there was a higher risk of new-onset tinnitus after Tdap vaccination compared to COVID-19 vaccination.
- However, other studies have not specifically reported ear ringing as a side effect of Tdap vaccination. For example, a 2012 study 3 on the safety and immunogenicity of Tdap vaccine in adults reported common side effects such as pain, swelling, and erythema at the injection site, as well as headache, fatigue, and myalgia, but did not mention ear ringing.
- A 2011 study 4 on adverse events after Tdap vaccination in adults 65 years of age and older reported common side effects such as local reactions, cough, and headache, but did not specifically mention ear ringing.
- Another study published in 2020 5 reviewed reports submitted to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) following receipt of Tdap in adults 65 years of age and older and found that the most common adverse events were injection site erythema, injection site pain, and injection site swelling, but did not report ear ringing as a common side effect.
- A 2010 study 6 on the safety of immunizing with Tdap vaccine less than 2 years following previous tetanus vaccination also did not report ear ringing as a side effect.
Comparison to Other Vaccines
- The 2023 study 2 found that the risk of new-onset tinnitus was higher after Tdap vaccination compared to COVID-19 vaccination, but lower compared to influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations.
- The study suggests that the risk of ear ringing as a side effect of Tdap vaccination may be higher compared to some other vaccines, but more research is needed to confirm this finding.