Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Vaccination against tetanus during pregnancy
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Vaccination against tetanus during pregnancy is allowed, but only in the period between 27-36 weeks of gestation (ie, in the 3rd trimester).
Can I have tetanus vaccination during pregnancy?
Anti-tetanus vaccination during pregnancy is allowed, as the negative impact of this vaccine on the child was not revealed. A precautionary measure recommended by the CDC is that the vaccination should be postponed until after the end of the first trimester.
[Indications
Tetanus toxoid is indicated for administration to pregnant women who have not previously been vaccinated or if they need a booster injection.
Vaccination against tetanus and diphtheria during pregnancy is carried out with the help of ADS-toxoid - these are the only immunobiological drugs that are allowed to be administered to pregnant women who were not vaccinated before. If vaccinations were made to a woman, but more than 10 years ago, a procedure of revaccination should be performed. To conduct such vaccination is recommended in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy.
In the early term, tetanus vaccination is not allowed.
Vaccination against tetanus when planning pregnancy
If the time has come for another vaccination, or if the previous one was missed, a tetanus vaccination should be given at the planning stage of pregnancy. Planned inoculations against tetanus are carried out every 10 years to 60 years of age, and the first is done at 16 years.
Contraindications
You should not do tetanus vaccine together with other vaccinations, but sometimes, if there are life indications, it is allowed to perform. Most often contraindications to this procedure are:
- expressed multifactorial allergic reactions or pre-existing predisposition to them;
- previously observed allergy to tetanus vaccine, or intolerance of some of its elements (tetanus taxoid, as well as thiomersal, aluminum hydroxide and formalin);
- infection in acute form (or chronic, but sharply aggravated or decompensated) - this is particularly true of hepatic and renal diseases.
Complications after vaccination
Complications after vaccination against tetanus during pregnancy are usually complications caused by multicomponent inoculations.
Among the common systemic manifestations is an acute allergy (can go to anaphylaxis or laryngospasm), high temperature, general weakness.
Among the delayed symptoms: a rash on the skin, similar to hives, causing general or local itching or edema, and in addition dermatitis. Due to a decrease in immunity at the site of vaccination, phlegmon or abscess may develop (externally the wound looks completely healed), toxic epidermal necrolysis or regional lymphadenitis may develop - axillary lymph nodes become inflamed, sepsis occurs. Also, post-vaccinal type arthritis, in which there are swelling and severe pain, and besides this, serum sickness. An asthma attack after some time after the vaccine or the appearance of asthma after 2-4 weeks. After the procedure; may occur and hyperventilation of the lungs.
Lethal outcome is a rare exception - there are 4 such cases per 10 million vaccines.
Disturbances in the work of the nervous system: inflammation of nerves or roots (polyneuritis or radiculitis), short-term paralysis or paresis (mostly one-sided form, in which there is complete or partial loss of speech), usually from the side where the vaccine was made. In addition, in the extremities, spasmic contractions of the peripheral muscles can occur, in which the pain experienced varies in duration and strength. Possible the development of transverse myelitis in acute form and encephalomyelitis, in which the head is very sore.
Cardiovascular system: increased heart rate - arrhythmia or tachycardia, as well as an attack of angina (the most severe reaction is myocardial infarction).
Organs of the digestive system: increased salivation, vomiting with nausea, diarrhea, bloating with the appearance of spasmodic pain.
Genitourinary system: in case of development of shock, there may be a short-term delay in urination.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Vaccination against tetanus during pregnancy" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.
Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.