We have all been vaccinated since childhood, right? Some of them you may remember, some you may not. But have you ever thought about how these vaccines protect our lives from dangerous diseases? Today we are going to talk about one such very important vaccine. That is the vaccine that prevents two diseases called diphtheria and tetanus. This is abbreviated as DT or Td.
What exactly are diphtheria and pertussis?
Before we talk about this vaccine, let's simply understand the two diseases it prevents.
- Diphtheria: This is a serious disease caused by a bacterial infection. Simply put, it causes a thick, gray membrane to form inside the throat and nose. This membrane can make breathing very difficult, and in some cases, it can even cause death by suffocation. Not only that, but the toxin produced by this bacteria can spread throughout the body and damage the heart, nervous system, and kidneys.
- Tetanus: This is something that many people have heard of. We commonly call it 'tetanus'. Some people say that it 'feels like a lockjaw', so it is also called "lockjaw" in English. This is caused by a bacteria. This bacteria is usually found in soil, dust, and animal feces. This germ can enter our body when we get a wound, cut, especially a rusty nail. Once it enters the body, this bacteria produces a toxin that affects the nervous system. This causes the muscles of the whole body, especially the jaw and neck, to tighten and contract painfully. This is also a very dangerous condition if not treated properly.
So, do you understand how serious these two diseases are? Fortunately, this vaccine helps us to be almost completely protected from both of these dangerous diseases.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
Before receiving this vaccine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your or your child's health condition. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
- Previous allergies: Tell your doctor if you have had a severe allergic reaction to this vaccine or any other vaccine in the past. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies to latex or thimerosal.
- Weakened immune system: Inform your doctor if you have HIV infection, cancer, or are taking immunosuppressants.
- Bleeding disorders: If you have a bleeding disorder like hemophilia or a low platelet count.
- Feverish illness: If you have a fever or other infectious condition on the day of the vaccination, your doctor may postpone the vaccination for a few days.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
How is the vaccine given? And what if a dose is missed?
This vaccine is given by a healthcare professional as an injection into a muscle, usually in the upper arm.
According to the National Immunization Program in Sri Lanka, this vaccine is given to young children at the appropriate ages. In addition, booster doses are required to maintain immunity after a certain period of time. Usually, about once every 10 years. Also, doctors sometimes recommend giving this vaccine to children who have suffered a wound (especially an animal bite, a wound contaminated with soil).
If you miss a booster dose, don't panic. Talk to your doctor as soon as possible and get the missed dose. The most important thing is to get the vaccine on schedule.
If you suspect that you have accidentally overdosed, go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
What are the possible side effects of the vaccine?
Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects in some people. But most of the time, these are minor and go away in a day or two. Let's break these side effects down into two categories.
| Side Effects of the Vaccine | |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Nervous system problems | Pain in the limbs, numbness, dizziness, seizures. |
| Other severe symptoms | Very high fever (over 100°F), rapid heartbeat, unusual changes in behavior, hearing changes, joint pain, extreme fatigue. |
| Minor side effects that are usually nothing to worry about | |
| At the injection site... | Pain, redness, swelling, or bruising. |
| General characteristics of the body | Mild fever (less than 100°F), body aches, headache, loss of appetite. |
| Other minor features | Vomiting, nausea, drowsiness, swelling of the vulva. |
Remember, if these minor side effects last more than a few days or if they bother you, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Other medicines that may cause problems with this vaccine
If you are taking any medications for other conditions, you should also tell your doctor about them, as some medications can affect the effectiveness of this vaccine. For example:
- Immunosuppressive drugs: Cancer treatments, steroids, and drugs for diseases such as `(adalimumab)` and `(infliximab)`.
- Medications that prevent blood clotting: Medications such as aspirin, warfarin, and heparin.
- Other vaccines: Especially when receiving live vaccines.
This list is not complete, so it's safest to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and even herbal products you're taking.
Take-Home Message
- Diphtheria and Tetanus are two serious diseases that can be fatal if left untreated. The best way to protect yourself from these is to get the DT/Td vaccine.
- Before getting the vaccine, be sure to tell your doctor about all medical conditions, allergies, and all medications you are taking.
- It is normal to experience some mild pain, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site. These usually go away in a day or two.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or seizures, seek medical attention immediately.
- Make sure you get your vaccination schedule, especially booster doses, as scheduled. If you have any questions, never hesitate to ask your doctor.
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