The tetanus vaccine, also known as a tetanus vaccine, is important to prevent the development of tetanus symptoms in children and adults, such as fever, neck stiffness and muscle spasms, for example. Tetanus is a disease caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria, which can be found in various environments and, when present in the body, produces a toxin that can reach the nervous system generating symptoms.
The vaccine encourages the body to produce antibodies against this disease, protecting against possible infections with this microorganism. In Brazil this vaccine is divided into 3 doses, it is recommended to take the first during childhood, the second 2 months after the first and finally the third 6 months after the second. The vaccine should be reinforced every 10 years and is part of the vaccination plan. In Portugal, 5 doses of this vaccine are recommended for all women of childbearing potential.
- The tetanus vaccine is recommended for children.
- Adults and the elderly and is recommended for administration in combination with the diphtheria or diphtheria and whooping cough vaccine.
- The latter being called DTPa.
- The tetanus vaccine is only used in the absence of a double or triple vaccine.
The tetanus vaccine should be administered directly to the muscle by a qualified healthcare professional. In children and adults the vaccine is indicated in three doses, with an interval of 2 months between the first doses and 6 to 12 months between the second and third doses.being recommended.
The tetanus vaccine provides protection for 10 years and therefore needs to be strengthened for disease prevention to be effective, in addition, when the vaccine is given after a high-risk injury, for example, the vaccine is indicated to be administered.two doses with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks to effectively prevent the disease.
The most common side effects that the tetanus vaccine can cause are considered local effects, such as pain and redness at the injection site.It is common for a person to feel heavy or sore after the vaccine, but these effects spread throughout the day.. If there is no relief from symptoms, it is recommended to apply some ice on the site to make it possible to improve.
In rarer cases, other effects may occur, which usually disappear within a few hours, such as fever, headache, irritability, drowsiness, vomiting, fatigue, weakness or water retention, for example.
The presence of some of these side effects should not be a limiting factor for vaccination.Watch the video below and check the importance of vaccination to health:
The tetanus vaccine is indicated against patients with fever or symptoms of infection, in addition to people allergic to any of the components of the vaccine formula. Also, if the woman is pregnant, breastfeeding, or has a history of allergies, it is important to speak with her doctor before receiving the vaccine.
The vaccine is also contraindicated if the person has a reaction to previous doses, such as seizures, encephalopathy, or anaphylactic shock after administration of the vaccine. The onset of fever after the vaccine is not considered a side effect and therefore does not prevent subsequent doses.