In the distant past, many diseases for mankind were invincible. People died due to the ingestion of pathogenic microorganisms into their bodies. Now we live in a time when medicine is at a high level of development. Pathogens are known, drugs and vaccines are developed. Consider one of the tools that until recently protected children from several dangerous diseases - “Tetracock”.
Scope and composition
The name "Tetracock" belonged to the vaccine. It was used as a preventive measure to prevent the occurrence of tetanus, polio, pertussis, diphtheria. The vaccine was administered to children aged 2 months to 4 years.
One dose of the Tetracoca vaccine, equal to 0.5 ml, included:
- One vaccine dose of purified toxoids, diphtheria and tetanus. These components are preparations from the vital products of pathogens that do not have toxic properties, but at the same time can provoke the production of antibodies in the human body.
- Minimum 4 international units (IU) of Bordetella pertussis. These are pertussis pathogens killed by heat and treated with formalin.
- One dose of inactivated vaccines to prevent the occurrence of polio due to different types of viruses (1st, 2nd and 3rd).
- Aluminum hydroxide, formaldehyde, 2-phenolethanol.
Effect on the body
The composition of "Tetracoca" contributed to the development of immunity to the above diseases. In the body, the defense was formed after the introduction of the 2nd injection of Tetracoca. Immunity was maintained for a period of at least 5 years.
Sometimes the vaccine provoked the occurrence of side effects in children:
- there was a seal at the injection site;
- erythematous rashes were detected;
- body temperature increased to 38–39 degrees in the first 1-2 days.
Cases with neurological reactions were recorded. The instructions for the Tetracoc vaccine indicate that there are known cases of seizures, inflammation of the brain, organic damage, and impaired function of this organ.
Vaccine use
Before use, the Tetracock was shaken. The vaccine could be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Its application was carried out according to the scheme, which includes 2 stages:
- Primary vaccination. It consisted of 3 injections of 0.5 ml. They were administered with an interval of 1 month.
- Revaccination. After completion of the primary vaccination, another injection was introduced to form immunity, but not after a month, but after a year.
Contraindications
The Tetracock vaccine had several contraindications. It was not administered to children with progressive encephalopathy. Also, a ban on the introduction of the drug was established for those cases when, after the first use within 48 hours, the child developed a pronounced hypersensitivity reaction: the temperature rose to 40 degrees, convulsions, prolonged crying syndrome, shock occurred.
Additional guidance
"Tetracock" was not administered to children during the active phases of any disease. Especially avoided the use of the drug during the course of infectious ailments. The vaccination was postponed to another time. Also in the attached instructions to "Tetracock" it was indicated that special care should be taken during administration in cases where children are allergic to streptomycin.
Withdrawal of Tetracock from production and the appearance of Infanrix
Currently, Tetracock is not applicable. The reason - a more modern and safe tool has appeared that protects against whooping cough, tetanus and diphtheria. This is also a vaccine that can be given to children from 3 months of age. Its name is Infanrix. Its composition is similar to that of the Tetrakok vaccine. Infanrix only lacks anti-polio components and killed pertussis pathogens. To develop immunity to the last disease, purified Bordetella pertussis antigens are added to the vaccine: detoxified pertussis toxin, filamentous glumagglutinin, pertactin.
Although Infanrix is considered a safe vaccine, side effects are still possible. The list of adverse events includes:
- local symptoms that occur in the area of administration: redness, pain, slight swelling or extensive swelling of the limb;
- general symptoms: loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, sleep disturbance (insomnia or drowsiness), severe crying, fever;
- symptoms from the respiratory system: cough, bronchitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis;
- other consequences: decrease or increase in blood pressure, dermatitis, otitis media, susceptibility to viral infections.
Infanrix Hexa
There is another tool that has begun to replace the Tetracoc vaccine - this is Infanrix Hexa. Scope - prevention of tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B and the disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae. The drug is administered only intramuscularly.
There are several schemes for using the Infanrix Hexa vaccine. Primary vaccination includes 3 doses. They can be administered either at 2, 3, 4 months, or at 3, 4, 5 months, or at 2, 4, 6 months. A two-dose primary vaccination is also possible at 3 and 5 months. The intervals between doses should not be less than 1 month. Revaccination is performed at 18 months once.
As practice shows, side effects after using the Infanrix Hexa vaccine occur in 10% of cases. In children, edema and hyperemia are observed at the injection site. Systemic adverse symptoms: irritability, drowsiness, fever, anorexia.
Should I be afraid of vaccines?
Some parents oppose vaccinations and explain their behavior by the fact that vaccines can cause complications in a child. Specialists, of course, do not support this point of view. If there were no vaccines, then many people would die from dangerous infections. The vaccines "Tetracock", "Infanrix", "Infanrix Hexa" and others have made it possible for humanity to withstand deadly diseases.
Vaccinations are required. The task of parents is to prepare the child and themselves for vaccination. The first includes natural feeding, hardening, elimination of contacts with sources of allergies, etc. Parents should find out the timing of vaccinations. There is a special calendar. It is also important for mothers and fathers to understand that after the introduction of any vaccine, an organism reaction can be observed. Lethargy, poor appetite, a slight increase in body temperature - these are absolutely normal symptoms. They indicate that the child develops immunity.
It is also important to be able to recognize a simple reaction of the body and a developing complication after the introduction of the vaccine. Complication is a serious condition in which there may be cramps, body temperature reaching 40 degrees, loss of consciousness. With such symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. Any such case is considered by a medical commission. She looks for the cause of the complication and decides on what measures to take next.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that, judging by the reviews, the Tetracock vaccine was discontinued due to the composition. It was not harmful or of poor quality. It was simply that the attention of specialists was drawn to the cell-free form of the vaccine, which is easier to carry. For this reason, the transition to Infanrix and Infanrix Hexa was made. Today, these vaccines are actively used. You do not need to be afraid of them. Complications are rare. Parents just need to watch their child and consult in a timely manner when any questions arise.