Do you remember when you were a kid and you fell while playing and came home with a sprained knee? Your mom would be scared, saying, "Oh, I don't know if I even got stuck with a rusty nail, I'll have to get an injection for tetanus." Or maybe you've heard people say, "I need a tetanus shot" when you cut your hand with a knife while doing household chores. So, what exactly is tetanus? Why is the vaccine for it so important? Let's talk about this simply, in a way that everyone can understand.
What exactly is a Tetanus Shot?
Simply put, the tetanus vaccine is a vaccine that protects us from a dangerous bacterial infection called tetanus. When you get this disease, your jaw becomes stiff and you can't open your mouth, which is why some people call it 'lockjaw'. This is a very painful and sometimes fatal disease.
The best thing is that it can be completely prevented with a vaccine. The bacteria that cause mumps are all around us. This bacteria can be found in soil, dust, and rusty metal. That's why doctors say we should get this series of vaccines when we are young and then get booster shots as adults.
This vaccine is usually given in the upper arm. Often, this tetanus toxoid vaccine is combined with several other vaccines to provide protection against several other diseases.
| Name of the vaccine | Diseases that are protected | Who is it usually given to? |
|---|---|---|
| DTaP | Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis | For young children under 6 years old. |
| Tdap | Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis | For older children, youth, and adults. |
| Td | Tetanus and Diphtheria | Often as a booster vaccine for adults. |
How does this vaccine work inside our bodies?
Think of it like training our army by showing them a photo of an enemy. What this vaccine does is give us a harmless, weakened copy of the toxin produced by the bacteria that causes the disease. This is called a 'toxoid' vaccine.
Then our immune system recognizes this 'enemy' and starts making special weapons, called antibodies, to fight it. Then, if the real bacteria ever enters the body through a wound, our immune system, having been trained in advance, will successfully attack it and save us from getting sick.
When should I get a measles vaccine?
This is a problem that many people have. Should you only use this when you are injured? No. Keep these situations in mind:
- If you have a deep or dirty wound: If you have a deep wound that is exposed to things like a rusty nail, a wire, dirt, or animal saliva, it is important to get a shot within 48 hours . If it has been more than 5 years since you last got a booster shot or if you can't remember, be sure to see a doctor and get the shot.
- During pregnancy: Doctors recommend that pregnant women get the Tdap vaccine. This not only protects the mother, but also protects the unborn baby from whooping cough for the first few months of its life.
- As part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule: This vaccine is given to children at the appropriate ages under the National Immunization Program in Sri Lanka.
- Every 10 years: After completing the childhood vaccination series, it is very important to get a booster shot every 10 years to maintain your protection as an adult.
Normal vaccination schedule
The generally recommended schedule is as follows:
- At 2 months
- At 4 months
- At 6 months
- Between 15 and 18 months
- Between 4 and 6 years old
- Between 11 and 12 years old
- Then every 10 years
Are there people who should not get this vaccine?
Yes, there are some special precautions you should take before getting vaccinated. If you or your child have any of these conditions, you should definitely talk to your doctor before getting vaccinated.
- If you have had a serious allergic reaction , seizure, or loss of consciousness after receiving a previous flu vaccine.
- If you have a nervous system condition called Guillain-Barré Syndrome .
- If you have had a seizure before.
- If you have had severe pain or swelling after a previous injection.
- If you have another medical condition that affects the nervous system.
- If you have recently undergone an organ transplant.
Also, tell your doctor about any medications you are taking. Especially medications like corticosteroids, cancer treatments, and medications that suppress the immune system can interact with this vaccine.
Are there any side effects of the measles vaccine?
Like most vaccines, this one can cause minor side effects. But don't worry, these usually subside within a day or two.
| Type of side effect | Examples |
|---|---|
| Minor and common side effects | |
| Most commonly seen things | Swelling, redness, and pain at the injection site (this is the most common). Muscle aches in the arm. Fatigue, irritability in young children, headache, loss of appetite, body temperature (low fever), nausea/vomiting, or diarrhea. |
| Serious side effects that are seen very rarely (especially in young children) | |
| Things that need immediate attention | Crying uncontrollably for hours on end, fever over 40 Celsius (105 Fahrenheit), seizures, swelling of an entire arm or leg. If any of these occur, see a doctor immediately. |
Important! Very rarely, some people may experience a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to the vaccine. If you experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, hives, or vomiting, it is an emergency. Call 911 immediately and get an ambulance, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) as soon as possible.
How effective is the vaccine?
Experts say that if you complete the required vaccination series, you are more than 99% protected from measles. This is a very effective vaccine. That is why measles is so rare these days.
Take-Home Message
- Measles is a dangerous disease, but it can be completely prevented with a vaccine.
- Make sure your child gets the full range of vaccines at the appropriate age. As an adult, get a booster shot every 10 years.
- If you get a deep, dirty wound, especially if it has been more than 5 years since your last vaccination, see a doctor immediately.
- Before receiving any vaccine, talk to your doctor about your medical history and medications you are taking.
- Minor side effects are common and don't worry about them. But be aware of the symptoms of a serious allergy.
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