Tetanus immunization in pregnancy

Tetanus vaccination is allowed during pregnancy, but only between 27-36 weeks of gestation (i.e., in the 3rd trimester).

Can you get a tetanus shot while pregnant?

Tetanus vaccination is allowed during pregnancy, as no negative effects of this vaccine on the baby have been identified. The precaution recommended by the CDC is to postpone this vaccination until after the first trimester.

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Indications

Tetanus toxoid is indicated for administration to pregnant women who have not been previously vaccinated or if they require a booster injection.

Tetanus and diphtheria vaccination during pregnancy is carried out using ADS-anatoxin - these are the only immunobiological drugs that are allowed to be routinely administered to pregnant women who have not been vaccinated before. If a woman has been vaccinated, but more than 10 years ago, she should undergo a revaccination procedure. It is recommended to carry out such vaccination in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.

Tetanus vaccinations are not allowed in the early stages.

Tetanus vaccination when planning pregnancy

If it is time for the next vaccination, or the previous one was missed, you should get vaccinated against tetanus at the stage of pregnancy planning. Routine tetanus vaccinations are given every 10 years until the age of 60, with the first one given at the age of 16.

Contraindications

Tetanus vaccination should not be given together with other vaccinations, but sometimes, if there are vital indications, it is allowed to be performed. Most often, contraindications to this procedure are:

• pronounced multifactorial allergic reactions or an existing predisposition to them;
• a previous allergy to the tetanus vaccine or intolerance to any of its components (tetanus taxoid, as well as thiomersal, aluminum hydroxide and formalin);
• infections in acute form (or chronic, but sharply aggravated or decompensated) - this especially concerns liver and kidney diseases.

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Complications after vaccination

Complications after tetanus vaccination during pregnancy usually result from multicomponent vaccinations.

Common systemic manifestations include acute allergy (may lead to anaphylaxis or laryngospasm), high temperature, and general weakness.

Delayed symptoms include: a skin rash similar to urticaria, causing general or local itching or swelling, and also dermatitis. Due to decreased immunity, phlegmon or abscess may develop at the vaccination site (the wound looks completely healed externally), toxic epidermal necrolysis or regional lymphadenitis may develop - the axillary lymph nodes become inflamed, sepsis occurs. Also, post-vaccination arthritis, which is accompanied by swelling and severe pain, and also serum sickness. An asthma attack some time after the vaccine or the onset of asthma 2-4 weeks after the procedure; hyperventilation of the lungs may also occur.

Fatal outcomes are considered rare exceptions, with 4 such cases occurring out of 10 million vaccines.

Disorders of the nervous system: inflammation of the nerves or roots (polyneuritis or radiculitis), short-term paralysis or paresis (mostly unilateral, in which there is a complete or partial loss of speech), usually on the side where the vaccination was given. In addition, spastic contractions of the peripheral muscles may occur in the limbs, causing pain of varying duration and intensity. Acute transverse myelitis and encephalomyelitis may develop, causing severe headaches.

Cardiovascular system: increased heart rate – arrhythmia or tachycardia, as well as an attack of angina pectoris (the most severe reaction is myocardial infarction).

Digestive system: increased salivation, vomiting with nausea, diarrhea, bloating with the appearance of spasmodic pain.

Urogenital system: if shock develops, short-term urinary retention may occur.

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