Indication

For the active immunization of infants, children 7 years of age or older and adults against, tetanus, wherever combined antigen preparations are not indicated. \r\nFor the prevention of neonatal tetanus in infants by immunizing women of childbearing age or infants born of unvaccinated pregnant women.\r\nThose who are liable to be exposed to, tetanus infection, and persons engaged in outdoor activities e.g. gardeners, agricultural, veterinary, athletes, industrial, sewage, road and outdoor workers, etc.

Administration

IM injection only. Do not administer IV. Use subcutaneous route in bleeding disorders.\r\nAdults and older children should be given IM in deltoid muscle. For infants should be given IM in anterior lateral aspect of the upper thigh. Shouldnot be given in gluteal areas.

Adult Dose

$4e

Child Dose

Primary immunization for persons 7 years of age and older: \r\nA series of three doses of 0.5 ml each, of adsorbed tetanus vaccine should be given intramuscularly; \r\nFirst dose: At appropriate date, Second dose: 4 to 8 weeks after the first dose, Third dose: 6 to 12 months after the second dose.\r\n\r\nChildren older than 7 years who did not complete primary immunization series (e.g., previously received only two doses of DTaP or DTP) need to receive only one dose of tetanus toxoid adsorbed vaccine to complete the primary series of tetanus.\r\nInterruption of the recommended schedule with a delay between doses does not interfere with the final immunity achieved with adsorbed tetanus vaccine. There is no need to start the series over again, regardless of the time elapsed between doses.\r\n\r\nRoutine booster injections: \r\nTo maintain adequate protection, a booster dose of 0.5 ml of adsorbed tetanus vaccine every 10 years thereafter is recommended.\r\n \r\n

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to any component of the vaccine, including thiomersal, is a contraindication. This vaccine is contraindicated in patients with previous hypersensitivity to any tetanus-containing vaccine. Tetanus toxoid vaccination should be defferred during the course of any febrile illness or acute infection. A minor febrile illness such as a mild upper respiratory infection should not preclude immunization.\r\n

Mode of Action

Tetanus toxoid adsorbed induces active immunity to the tetanus antigen by stimulating the immune system to produce specific antitoxin. They are not indicated for the treatment of active tetanus infection.

Precaution

Withhold vaccination in moderate or severe febrile illness. History of Guillian-Barre syndrome. Pregnancy.\r\n \r\nLactation: it is not known if tetanus toxoid is excreted in human milk. It may be administered to nursing mothers only if clearly needed.\r\n\r\n

Side Effect

Adsorbed tetanus vaccine is generally well tolerated. Most recipients of tetanus vaccine experience some reactions upon vaccination. These are generally moderate and short in duration. They mainly consist of local reactions at the injection site (erythema, induration and tenderness). Systemic reactions (malaise and elevated temperature) are reported less commonly.

Pregnancy Category Note

Pregnancy: Adequate human data on use during pregnancy and adequate animal reproduction studies are not available. This vaccine should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed and when the possible advantages outweigh the possible risks for the fetus. For protection of neonatal tetanus, tetanus toxoid is recommended for immunization of women of childbearing age and especially pregnant women. Tetanus toxoid may be safely administered during pregnancy and should be given to the mother at first contact or as early as possible. Lactation: it is not known if tetanus toxoid is excreted in human milk. It may be administered to nursing mothers only if clearly needed.

Interaction

Decreased immunologic response with concurrent immunosuppressants. Neutralisation of tetanus immune globulin and tetanus toxoid adsorbed if not given at different sites using different syringes.