Saturday, February, 11, 2012

Tetanus - vaccine

Table of Contents

Moderate problems are uncommon and include:

  • Crying nonstop for 3 hours or more (1 in 1,000)
  • Seizures (1 in 14,000)
  • High fever greater than 105 degrees F (1 in 16,000)

Severe problems are very rare and include:

  • Serious allergic reaction (less than once per one million doses)
  • Long-term seizures, coma, lowered consciousness, permanent brain damage (extremely rare and not proven to have been caused by the vaccine)

As with any medications or any vaccine, there is a chance of other serious complications, including death. This is rare after tetanus immunization. For almost all people, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.

DELAY OR DO NOT GIVE (CONTRAINDICATIONS)

If a child is sick with something more serious than a mild cold, DTaP may be delayed until the child is better.

If a child has had any of the following after an earlier DTaP, consult with the health care provider before the child receives another injection of the vaccine:

  • Seizures within 3-7 days after injection
  • Any serious brain problem within 7 days after injection
  • Worsening of seizures or other brain problem (at any time)
  • Mouth, throat, or face swelling (serious allergy) within a few hours after injection
  • Difficulty breathing (serious allergy) within a few hours after injection
  • Temperature of 105 degrees F or higher within 2 days after injection
  • Shock or collapse within 2 days after injection
  • Persistent, uncontrolled crying that lasts for more than 3 hours at a time within 2 days after injection

POSTIMMUNIZATION SYMPTOMS AND CARE

The provider who gives the tetanus immunization may recommend measures to reduce normal postimmunization symptoms. Acetaminophen may be recommended to reduce fever and soreness.

Some providers recommend a dose be given just prior to the injection to help avert common, minor side effects. Warmth (such as a warm, damp cloth or a heating pad) may reduce soreness. Frequently moving or using the arm or leg that has received the injection is recommended and often reduces the soreness.

Adults who receive the Td or T vaccine (particularly if received more often than every 10 years) may experience soreness and swelling at the injection site, lasting for 2 or 3 days.

CALL THE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER IF

  • Uncertain whether tetanus-containing immunization should be given (see delay or contraindications).
  • Complications or severe symptoms develop after tetanus immunization, including seizures; fever above 105 degrees F; difficulty breathing; or other signs of allergy, shock, or collapse; or uncontrolled crying that lasts for more than 3 hours at a time.
  • Other symptoms develop after the tetanus immunization.
  • There are other questions or concerns about tetanus immunization.

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Review Date: 08/18/2006
Reviewed By: Benjamin W. Van Voorhees, MD, MPH, Assistant Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)