Dysentery is the most common gastrointestinal infection. The causative agent of this disease are bacteria - Shigella Sonne. Pathology is accompanied by severe diarrhea and often leads to dehydration. The Shigellvak vaccine will help prevent this dangerous disease. To which categories of patients is this vaccine indicated? And how reliably does it protect against dysentery? We will consider these issues in the article.
The composition and effect of the vaccine
The main component of the Shigellvak vaccine is the lipopolysaccharide. This substance is obtained from the causative agent of dysentery - Shigella Sonne. It is cleaned of impurities and combined with additional ingredients - chloride, dihydrogen phosphate and sodium hydrogen phosphate. Phenol is used as a preservative component. So get the vaccine.
After the introduction of the vaccine in the patient's body, the active production of antibodies against Shigella Sonnet begins, and after 2-3 weeks a stable immunity is formed. This vaccine protects a person from dysentery for 1 year.
The product is certified and meets all the necessary standards. A series of vaccines "Shigellvak" - 145-0415 (according to the Register of certificates of conformity). This vaccine was registered in 2015 and is used to prevent dysentery.
The vaccine is a colorless liquid. It smells of carbolic acid (phenol). The drug is poured into ampoules with a volume of 0.5 or 0.25 ml.
Indications
Instruction for the Shigellvak vaccine allows the use of the drug to prevent dysentery in children older than 3 years and adults. Vaccinations are usually given in summer and autumn. During this period, the risk of Shigella infection increases.
Vaccination against dysentery is not included in the vaccination schedule. The drug is administered only according to indications. However, such a vaccination is mandatory for the following groups of patients:
- employees of medical bacteriological laboratories;
- medical staff of infectious disease rooms and departments;
- workers whose activities are related to food;
- children over 3 years old, traveling to summer camp or attending kindergarten;
- persons traveling to regions with a high incidence of dysentery.
In addition, there are epidemiological indications for vaccination. For example, in accidents in the sewer and water supply network, the risk of Shigella infection sharply increases. In this case, the introduction of the drug is necessary for all people living in the disaster area.
If there is an outbreak of dysentery in the region, then the entire population is vaccinated.
Contraindications
Shigellvak vaccine reliably protects against dysentery. However, not all patients can be given such a vaccine. An absolute contraindication to vaccination is an allergy to any ingredient in the drug. In this case, immunoprophylaxis should be discarded. Also, "Shigellvak" is prohibited for children under 3 years of age.
A vaccine against dysentery should not be given to pregnant women. In this case, vaccination can be carried out only after childbirth.
The introduction of the Shigellvak vaccine against dysentery is categorically contraindicated in infectious diseases and exacerbation of chronic pathologies. Vaccination can be done only 30 days after a full recovery. Therefore, before immunization, the doctor takes a measurement of the patient’s body temperature in order to exclude contraindications to vaccination.
Unwanted effects
Shigellvak vaccine refers to inactivated vaccines. It does not contain live bacteria. Such immunoprophylaxis drugs rarely cause side effects. However, in the first days after the introduction of the vaccine, the body is actively producing immunoglobulins. This may be accompanied by the following reactions:
- temperature increase (up to +37.2 degrees);
- slight malaise and headache;
- flushing of the skin and soreness in the injection area.
Such symptoms disappear on their own and do not require special treatment. However, if after vaccination there is a strong fever and a marked deterioration in well-being, then an urgent need to consult a doctor.
After the introduction of the drug, it is recommended to remain in the medical institution for 30 minutes. This is necessary so that the doctor can help in time with a possible allergic reaction.
Route of administration
This vaccine can be administered either subcutaneously or intramuscularly. An injection is made in the shoulder area. The dosage of the drug for adults and children is 0.5 ml (1 ampoule). If necessary, the vaccine is repeated after 12 months.
Shigellvak can be administered on the same day as other inactivated vaccines. If the patient was vaccinated using attenuated bacterial strains, then immunoprophylaxis of dysentery can be carried out after 1 month.
Storage and price
Vaccine ampoules are recommended to be refrigerated. They can be stored at temperatures from +2 to +8 degrees. In this case, liquid freezing must not be allowed. The drug is suitable for use within 2 years from the date of release. An expired vaccine is prohibited.
The price of 5 ampoules of the drug is from 3000 to 3500 rubles. The vaccine is dispensed from pharmacies only for medical facilities. Independent use of this tool at home is unacceptable.
Patient opinion
Reviews about this vaccine drug can be met infrequently. After all, the Shigellvak vaccine against dysentery is used relatively recently. Most patients received this vaccine when issuing a medical book or before traveling to countries with a hot climate where dysentery is common. Also vaccinated were children and adolescents, before leaving for summer recreation camps.
Judging by the reviews of patients, such immunoprophylaxis is well tolerated. No jumps in temperature and malaise after vaccination. There were no cases of Shigella infection during the year after vaccination.
Some parents are afraid to vaccinate their children against dysentery. However, such fears are completely groundless. A vaccine containing purified bacterial lipopolysaccharides is harmless enough. Therefore, if the child has no contraindications, and there is a risk of infection with Shigella, then the vaccine should be given. After all, dysentery in childhood is very difficult and often leads to dangerous complications.