Tetanus Toxoid
Introduction To Tetanus Toxoid
Tetanus Toxoid is used as a vaccination to prevent tetanus (also known as lockjaw). During childhood, five doses are recommended, with a sixth given during adolescence. Additional doses every 10 years are recommended.
Tetanus Toxoid is administered by a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It is important that the child receives all the vaccination doses. For the vaccine to be most effective, it is important to get the vaccination booster injection every 10 years.
Some of the common side effects of this medicine include reactions at the site of vaccination injection (such as pain, swelling, and redness), fever, and loss of appetite. If these side effects do not go away with time or get worse, let the doctor know. The doctor may help with ways to reduce or prevent these symptoms.
To make sure the vaccine is safe, before receiving the vaccine, it is important to let the doctor know if you have any other illnesses. You should also tell the doctor about all the medicines you are taking.
Uses of Tetanus Toxoid
- Prevention of Tetanus
Benefits of Tetanus Toxoid
Prevention of Tetanus
Tetanus causes a locked jaw, thus making it impossible to breathe, open the
mouth to eat or swallow. Tetanus Toxoid prevents tetanus by helping the body
produce substances that resist infection from bacteria causing tetanus.
Tetanus Toxoid should be given to everyone, even to children as early as 2 months
of age. Vaccination booster doses are recommended for everyone almost every 10
years. After being exposed, the incubation period varies from 3 to 21 days,
with an average of eight days. It can be given after exposure too to make sure
the individual is safe. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts.
Side effects of Tetanus Toxoid
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Bett
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
How to use Tetanus Toxoid
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Tetanus Toxoid works
Tetanus Toxoid is used for vaccination against tetanus. It helps develop immunity by initiating a mild infection. This type of infection does not cause illness, but it does stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies to protect against any future infections.
Quick tips
- Tetanus Toxoid is given for the prevention of tetanus infection.
- It is to be given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital setting.
- Inform your doctor if you are suffering from any blood disorders before taking Tetanus Toxoid.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding before taking Tetanus Toxoid.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Tetanus Toxoid if I’m pregnant?
Information regarding the use of Tetanus Toxoid during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Tetanus Toxoid if I’m breastfeeding?
Information regarding the use of Tetanus Toxoid during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor. Tetanus Toxoid is not intended for use in adults.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Tetanus Toxoid safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Tetanus Toxoid. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingSAFE
Can I drive after taking Tetanus Toxoid?
Tetanus Toxoid does not usually affect your ability to drive.
KidneySAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Tetanus Toxoid if I have/had kidney diseases?
Tetanus Toxoid is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Tetanus Toxoid may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
LiverSAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Can I take Tetanus Toxoid if I have/had liver diseases?
Tetanus Toxoid is probably safe to use in patients with liver disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Tetanus Toxoid may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What type of immunity does Tetanus Toxoid provide?
Tetanus Toxoid provides artificial active immunity. This type of immunity is generated when a dead or weakened version of the disease enters the body, causing an immune response which includes the production of antibodies. Vaccination with Tetanus Toxoid helps to prevent the deadly disease, tetanus.
Q. What is a booster dose or booster vaccine or booster shot?
A booster dose or booster vaccine or booster shot is an additional dose of a vaccine that may have to be administered periodically (usually once every few years) after completing the initial or primary vaccination against certain diseases. This helps to ‘boost’ your immunity against such diseases so that you are adequately protected against them.
Q. Is there a cure for tetanus?
There is no cure for tetanus once a person develops symptoms, just supportive treatment and management of complications can be done in a hospital setup. The best way to treat tetanus is its prevention through vaccination or immunization.
Q. How long does it take to show signs of tetanus after being exposed?
After being exposed, the incubation period varies from 3 to 21 days, with an average of eight days. The further the injury site is from the central nervous system, the longer the incubation period. The shorter the incubation period, the higher the risk of death.
Q. What are the symptoms of tetanus?
How does Tetanus Toxoid work? Tetanus symptoms involve tightening of muscles of the body and causing a locked jaw, thus making it impossible to breathe, open the mouth to eat or swallow. Tetanus Toxoid works by helping the body produce substances that resist infection from bacteria causing tetanus.
Q. Who should get Tetanus Toxoid?
Tetanus Toxoid should be given to everyone, even to children as early as 2 months of age. Booster doses are recommended for everyone almost every 10 years. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts regarding the vaccination.
Q. What if I miss a dose of Tetanus Toxoid?
If a scheduled vaccination booster dose of Tetanus Toxoid is missed, talk to your doctor and arrange another visit as soon as possible.
Q. Is Tetanus Toxoid a safe vaccine?
Various studies and trials have shown that Tetanus Toxoid is a safe and effective vaccine. Hence, it has been approved for use and recommended by various medical organizations and doctors all around the world. By preventing life- threatening diseases like tetanus, it has proven to be of immense benefit. Tetanus Toxoid is also well tolerated. Any side effects that may be seen with this vaccine are usually minor and tend to resolve quickly.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
MediClap strives to make its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Should you encounter any difficulty accessing this website, kindly send an email to hello@mediclap.com to enable us to provide the necessary services through alternative means.
MediClap is not affiliated with nor sponsored by any of the third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights mentioned remain the sole property of their respective owners.