It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of tetanus shots. One small injection - and a person may not be afraid of infection in the next 10 years. Also, it is done in case of any infection through broken skin. This can occur after an animal bite, stabbing lesions, or as a result of extensive lacerations.
Contraindications
But there are situations in which tetanus vaccinations are not recommended. Side effects can be far more serious than the potential for infection.
So, it is worth avoiding vaccination in those cases when a person has already revealed intolerance to one of the components of the vaccine or has previously had a reaction to tetanus vaccination. It can be on formaldehyde, aluminum hydroxide, thiomersal, tetanus toxoid.
Also, they are not vaccinated with people with immunodeficiency, for example, those who have been diagnosed with HIV infection. After all, the introduction of a vaccine is necessary in order for a person to have immunity. And with this state, this does not happen.
Temporary restrictions
It is worth refusing vaccination and postponing it for several weeks in case of acute diseases or exacerbation of chronic diseases. Even a common cold is a temporary contraindication. Particular attention is paid to patients with liver and kidney problems.
Routine revaccination is not carried out during pregnancy. If vaccination is necessary for health reasons, then the need for it is determined in conjunction with an obstetrician-gynecologist. For such a woman, special supervision is established.
With exacerbation of neurological conditions, it is also advisable to postpone the date when a tetanus vaccine will be given. Side effects in this case can be expressed more strongly.
Exacerbations of allergic diseases, diathesis are also temporary contraindications. You can get vaccinated no earlier than 2 weeks after all the symptoms have passed. If possible, it is better to wait even a month. But it should be borne in mind that chronic allergic conditions, expressed by latent bronchospasm or localized skin rashes, are not a reason for refusing vaccination. In parallel, it is simply necessary to carry out appropriate therapy.
Possible reactions
You need to be aware of the potential problems that a tetanus vaccine causes. Side effects after it are far from being detected in everyone, but it is better to be prepared for possible complications.
You also need to know that their appearance indicates that the process of formation of immunity is started. But do not worry if after vaccination you or the child is not worried. These are just individual reactions of different organisms to the fact that a tetanus vaccine was given.
Side effects may be as follows:
- redness, swelling and soreness of the injection site are often observed; the reason for this is the effect of a substance intended to enhance the immune response;
- increase in total body temperature;
- inhibition or, conversely, increased excitability;
- gastrointestinal tract reactions: diarrhea, vomiting;
- severe headaches;
- A marked deterioration in appetite.
All these complications pass quickly enough and do not lead to any serious consequences.
Potential complications
In most cases, a tetanus shot does not affect the child or adult. Complications are rare enough, but you need to know about them.
It is necessary to consult a doctor if significant edema appears at the injection site. Anxiety should cause spots with a diameter of more than 8 cm. The severe consequences include:
- the appearance of seizures that are not accompanied by a rise in temperature;
- encephalopathy.
The latter condition manifests itself in the form of impaired consciousness and is accompanied by convulsions. As a rule, it is temporary.
If the patient had a history of the indicated consequences of a tetanus vaccine, then he will no longer be given any booster shots.
Feasible side effects
In addition to the aforementioned one-off reactions and potential complications that may arise with the introduction of the vaccine, you need to know what else to expect.
After vaccination, allergic reactions may appear in adults and children , a rash, dermatitis and other skin lesions occur. In addition, an abscess, lymphadenitis can begin at the injection site. Cases of tissue necrosis have also been reported.
In addition, some patients complain of malfunctions of the cardiovascular system. After vaccination, arrhythmia, angina pectoris, palpitations, tachycardia may appear. Muscle cramps and polyneuritis are also considered possible side effects.
Some have swelling, manifestations of arthritis are observed. Some women complain of malfunctioning of the menstrual cycle after they were vaccinated against tetanus. Side effects can be expressed quite strongly. In this case, the issue of not re-vaccinating within the prescribed time frame is considered.
Types of vaccines
At present, everyone, having previously consulted with a specialist, can choose which vaccine to do. The most common is DTP. It is done as planned for all healthy children according to the vaccination schedule. It is intended for comprehensive protection against pertussis, diphtheria and tetanus. There are options for both Russian and foreign production.
But according to indications, they can also be vaccinated against diphtheria and tetanus with ADS. It is recommended in cases where the patient can not enter the antitussive component.
For adults and children over 6 years old, they can use ADSM. This is a mixture of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, which are secreted by pathogens. Before administration, they are processed in a special way.
In case of danger of infection with tetanus, a monovirus vaccine is given.
Need for vaccinations
When a vaccine is introduced into the human body, it develops immunity. Vaccination against tetanus for children is included in the planned schedule of immunization and is done starting from 3 months. Therefore, parents who do not refuse vaccination may not be worried or afraid of infection.
If microorganisms enter the wound (and this happens with every damage to the skin and mucous membranes), infection can begin. Microbes, being in a favorable environment for them, begin to actively multiply and secrete special substances.
The tetanus toxins they produce attack the nervous system and cause painful cramps. As a result, this leads to respiratory failure, and the patient dies of suffocation.
Modern medicine can cure tetanus only in the early stages, at a time when it still does not manifest itself. In other situations, 9 out of 10 patients die. A vaccine made on time helps prevent infection and makes contact with a pathogenic microorganism, clostridia, safe.