Tetanus Vaccination. Prices, Reviews, Ratings
Tetanus - should you get vaccinated?
The disease is one of the most severe pathologies of the nervous system, which are infectious in nature. Its causative agent is the tetanus bacillus, which lives in almost the entire external environment. It is impossible to get rid of this bacterium, it lives in the soil, household items, feces and even in the saliva of animals. When the temperature and humidity reach the required level, the spores begin to germinate and act. It is worth noting that it is not so much the microorganism itself that is particularly dangerous, but its toxin. The pathogen can be defeated with antibiotics, but it is very difficult to get rid of its toxic effects. The consequence of this is a fatal outcome, so the answer to the question "is it worth getting a tetanus shot" is unambiguous - yes, and definitely.
Tetanus: methods of infection and symptoms
Most often, the tetanus bacillus enters the body through damaged skin (scratches, wounds) and mucous membranes (for example, improperly processed umbilical cord remnant). For this reason, the highest percentage of infection occurs in children aged 3-7 years, because this is the age when they often get injured. However, an adult can also easily become infected. For example, in nature, by cutting their foot on a stone or a seashell. There is no natural immunity to the action of the bacteria in the human body. That is why the tetanus vaccine should be regularly administered to it using a medical syringe.
The main signs of infection:
- First, the patient experiences cramps in the chewing and facial muscles, as a result of which it becomes impossible to eat and drink.
- Then the cramps spread to the whole body, and the person takes an unnatural position in which only the heels and the back of the head touch the surface.
- After some time, the attacks become more frequent, breathing and blood circulation worsen.
- If the patient does not receive medical care in a timely manner, a fatal outcome is possible.
Tetanus vaccination: where to administer
The injection must be given precisely into the muscle, so the syringe is inserted into places with thin skin and a minimum amount of fat. For infants and children under 6 months, the thigh is suitable for this. Adults and older children are vaccinated in the shoulder or under the shoulder blade. It is strictly forbidden to inject the drug into the buttocks, since the muscles there are deep, and there is a high risk of injecting it subcutaneously rather than intramuscularly.
Tetanus vaccination for children
Children are vaccinated on a scheduled basis and consist of a step-by-step administration of 5 doses of the drug. It is performed at 3 and 4.5 months, then at the age of six months, one and a half years, and upon entering school (6-7 years). As a result, persistent immunization against the infection is formed, due to which the child's body becomes immune to tetanus. Its duration of action is 10 years, which means that revaccination will need to be done in adolescence.
Diphtheria and tetanus vaccination
In most cases, children are vaccinated with a combination drug that strengthens the immune system against both tetanus and diphtheria. Sometimes the composition also includes a component against whooping cough, but this is not necessary. If a child has a strong reaction to the whooping cough component, then a vaccine without it is used.
Tetanus vaccination for adults
Tetanus vaccination for adults should be repeated every ten years. If a person has previously been vaccinated (as required), then he is given 1 dose of the drug. If the vaccination is done for the first time, it must be carried out in 3 stages: the first dose at the first session, the second - a month later, and the third - a year later. And only from the moment of the last vaccination the course is considered complete, and the next vaccination will be required only after ten years.
Vaccination is mandatory for students, military personnel, builders, railway employees, diggers, as well as residents of disadvantaged regions with poor ecology and high pollution of the territory.
If there is a suspicion that the infection could have entered the human body (through injuries, burns, animal bites, childbirth and abortions in non-sterile conditions), and more than five years have passed since the vaccination, then an emergency injection of a prophylactic dose of the drug is performed.
Vaccination against tetanus: contraindications
Any vaccine, even the safest one, has contraindications. Tetanus vaccination should be postponed or not done at all in the following cases:
- In case of a severe reaction to any component of the drug, which was observed earlier;
- In case of kidney and liver diseases;
- In case of acute infectious diseases (flu, acute respiratory infections);
- In case of high temperature;
- In case of an aggravated form of allergy;
- In case of bronchial asthma during an exacerbation;
- During pregnancy and breastfeeding.
After tetanus vaccination
The tetanus vaccine contains other rods that help to neutralize the pathogenic bacteria, but at the same time do not pose a danger to the human body. As a result, long-term immunity to the toxic effects of the tetanus bacillus is formed, which means that even if it enters the body, it will not be able to survive.
After vaccination, it is recommended to follow some rules:
- For 3 days, you should refrain from eating foods that can cause allergies (citrus fruits, seafood, chocolate, carbonated drinks, etc.);
- It is forbidden to drink alcohol for 3 days after the injection;
- At the same time, you should limit the use of detergents (soap, shower gels and scrubs). You must not rub the injection site with a washcloth, and in the first 24 hours it is better to apply an aseptic bandage to it;
- Medicines should only be taken with the permission of a doctor;
- Within 7 days after vaccination, you should refrain from physical activity, avoid stress, and maintain a proper diet and sleep.
Tetanus vaccination: side effects
The reaction to the vaccine varies from person to person. There are side effects that are considered normal for such a vaccination, and those that should be a cause for concern. For 3-5 days the following are allowed:
- Pain in the injection area;
- Small lump in the injection area;
- Increased body temperature (up to 38 degrees);
- Loss of appetite;
- Weakness, lethargy and drowsiness.
If these symptoms do not go away for a long time, you should immediately consult a doctor. Also among the dangerous side effects are:
- Quincke's edema, anaphylaxis;
- Difficulty in the work of the cardiovascular system;
- Convulsions;
- Loss of consciousness;
- Asthma;
- Diarrhea;
- Vomition.
Pain from a tetanus shot: causes
Pain at the injection site is a natural reaction of the body. What causes it?
- The vaccine contains aluminum hydroxide. Which holds the toxoid at the injection site. This is necessary so that absorption into the blood occurs gradually, in small portions. This may result in a local reaction, which will cause pain.
- If the vaccine has a pertussis component, it may cause discomfort and pain.
- If the drug was injected into fatty tissue, and not into muscle, then redness, swelling or compaction will form in this area, which are accompanied by local pain. As the drug is absorbed, this side effect will begin to disappear.
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