Unlike many infectious diseases, tetanus vaccination provides protection not for life, but only for a limited period (up to 10 years), so it should be carried out not only for children, but also for adults.
When are tetanus vaccinations given to adults?
The duration of childhood vaccinations against tetanus in man expires to about 16 years. To maintain a permanent immunity to the disease, it is recommended that the vaccine be repeated every 10 years. It is absolutely necessary for people who are at risk (for example, those whose profession is associated with increased traumatism), as well as in the case of unhygienized injuries, deep punctures or animal bites.
Where and how do adults get a tetanus shot?
The vaccine should be injected strictly into the muscle. In adults, the injection is most often done in the shoulder (in the deltoid muscle) or in the area under the scapula. In addition, it is possible to insert it into the upper part of the thigh. In the gluteus muscle vaccination is not done, because due to the developed subcutaneous fat layer the probability of incorrect administration of the vaccine is high.
With routine immunization, as well as with preventive immunization in case of trauma (if more than 5, but less than 10 years have passed since the planned vaccination), adults are vaccinated against tetanus once.
When vaccinating individuals who were not previously vaccinated, the full course consists of three injections. The second dose is administered after 30-35 days, and the third in six months. In the future, to maintain immunity, one injection is sufficient in 10 years.
Contraindications and side effects of tetanus vaccination to adults
Vaccination is not carried out:
- at allergic diseases ( eczema , diathesis, etc.);
- with bronchial asthma;
- at acute infectious diseases and any chronic illnesses in a stage of an exacerbation;
- with immunodeficiency.
In general, tetanus vaccination is quite good
- allergic conditions;
- development of an abscess in the area of injection;
- nausea, vomiting, stool disorders;
- tachycardia and arrhythmia;
- menstrual cycle disorders;
- shock conditions (extremely rare).
In addition, the first days after vaccination, there may be an increase in temperature, general weakness, joint pain, irritation and skin rashes.