Adsorbed Tetanus Vaccine

Indications

Fever

This vaccine is used to prevent tetanus in children aged 7 years or older and in adults, particularly those likely to be exposed to tetanus infection and people engaged in outdoor activities such as gardeners, farm workers and athletes. It is also used to prevent neonatal tetanus by immunizing women of childbearing age, as well as to prevent tetanus following an injury. This vaccine can be safely and effectively given at the same time as BCG, Measles, Polio (IPV and OPV), Hepatitis B, Yellow fever, Haemophilus influenzae type B and Varicella vaccines. HIV Infection: This vaccine may be used in children with known or suspected HIV infection. Although data remain limited and further studies are encouraged, there is so far no evidence of an increased rate of adverse reactions when this vaccine is used in HIV infected children, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic.

⚠️ Always consult a registered physician before taking any medicine.

Pharmacology

Adsorbed Tetanus Vaccine is a BP-grade tetanus toxoid preparation, made by detoxifying the sterile filtrate of Clostridium tetani broth cultures with formalin and heat. The toxoid is then purified using chemical methods and adsorbed onto aluminium phosphate, which acts as an adjuvant. Thiomersal is included as a preservative. The finished vaccine appears as a greyish-white suspension and contains no horse serum protein, so it does not cause sensitization to sera of equine origin. It meets WHO requirements, as tested by the methods set out in WHO TRS (1990), No. 800.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

To help prevent neonatal tetanus, tetanus toxoid is recommended for immunizing women of childbearing age, especially pregnant women. It can be given safely during pregnancy and should be administered to the mother at first contact or as early as possible. Whether tetanus toxoid passes into human milk is not known. It may be given to breastfeeding mothers only when clearly needed.

⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Dosage Reference

⚠️ Reference ranges from official sources only. Consult your doctor for personalized dosing.

Adults: Adsorbed Tetanus Vaccine: Dosage Reference (Adults) The full basic course of immunization against tetanus consists of two primary doses of 0.5 ml given at least four weeks apart, followed by a third dose 6 to 12 months later. To maintain a high level of immunity, further 0.5 ml booster doses are recommended at every feasible interval (for adults, usually every 5 to 10 years). Protection of the newborn against tetanus: To prevent neonatal tetanus, Tetanus Toxoid vaccine is recommended for immunizing women of childbearing age, and especially pregnant women. Tetanus Toxoid vaccine may be safely administered during pregnancy and should be given to the mother at first contact or as early as possible in the pregnancy. A five dose schedule is recommended for previously unimmunized women of childbearing age: after the basic course of immunization with three doses, two additional booster doses should be given, at least one year after the previous dose or during a subsequent pregnancy. Vaccination of the injured person: For those who have proof of either completing their course of primary immunizations containing tetanus toxoid or receiving a booster shot within the previous 5 years, no additional dose of tetanus toxoid is recommended. If more than 5 years have elapsed and infection with tetanus due to injury or another cause is suspected, 0.5 ml of Tetanus Toxoid vaccine should be given immediately. Where the immunization history is inadequate, 1500 IU (3000 old AU) of tetanus antiserum and 0.5 ml of Tetanus Toxoid vaccine should be injected with separate syringes into different body sites (if available, 250 units of tetanus immune globulin of human origin can be substituted for the tetanus antiserum). A second 0.5 ml dose of Tetanus Toxoid vaccine is recommended after 2 weeks, and a third dose after a further 1 month. A note of caution: if horse origin tetanus antiserum is used in prophylaxis, the patient should be tested for sensitivity to horse serum protein before it is given. It is desirable to have 1 ml of Adrenaline solution (1:1000) immediately available, and the normal precautions for injecting antitoxins should be followed. Method of inoculation: This should be injected intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle in women and older children. Only sterile needles and syringes should be used for each injection. The vaccine should be well shaken before use. Once opened, multi dose vials should be kept between 2°C and 8°C. Reactions: Reactions are generally mild and confined to the site of injection. Some inflammation may occur, together with transient fever, malaise and irritability. Occasionally a nodule may develop at the site of injection, but this is rare. Increased severity of reactions to vaccination may be observed in people who have had many booster immunizations.