Medical expert of the article
New publications
Preparations
Vaccination against tularemia
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
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If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
The causative agent of tularemia, Francesella tularensis, has been isolated from more than 100 species of mammals, birds, and insects; people who have contact with animals are primarily infected, but infection is possible through consumption of contaminated meat and water, or through bites from ticks and other carriers.
Live dry tularemia vaccine - lyophilized culture of live tularemia microbes of vaccine strain 15 NIIEG. Shelf life is 2 years, stored at a temperature not exceeding 8°. The vaccine is administered from the age of 7 (from the age of 14 in field-type foci) once cutaneously or intradermally. Before vaccination, it is mandatory to determine the presence of specific immunity using one of the serological or skin-allergic reactions; only individuals with a negative reaction are vaccinated. One dose for cutaneous administration is 2 drops (210 8 microbial cells), for intradermal administration - 0.1 ml (10 7 microbial cells). Revaccination, if indicated, after 5 years with the same dose. Simultaneous cutaneous vaccination of adults with live vaccines against tularemia, brucellosis and plague (on different parts of the body) is allowed. The reconstituted tularemia vaccine is used within 2 hours.
Vaccination against tularemia by the cutaneous method is carried out on the outer surface of the middle third of the shoulder with the vaccine diluted with a solvent in the volume indicated on the ampoule label. After 2 drops of the vaccine in two places (at a distance of 30-40 mm) on the outer surface of the middle third of the shoulder, 2 parallel notches 10 mm long are made.
Immunity is formed 20-30 days after vaccination and lasts up to 5 years.
[ Reactions to the introduction of the tularemia vaccine
A local reaction should develop in all those vaccinated cutaneously: from the 4th-5th day, less often from the 10th day, hyperemia and edema up to 15 mm in diameter, small vesicles along the incisions. From the 10th-15th day, a crust forms, leaving a scar, sometimes an increase in lymph nodes is observed. With the intradermal method, the local reaction lasts up to 9 days - an infiltrate of up to 40 mm, sometimes with a reaction of regional lymph nodes. The general reaction to the tularemia vaccine is rare: malaise, headache, temperature up to 38 ° for 2-3 days. An allergic reaction on the 3rd-4th week is rarely observed. In those who have had tularemia or have been revaccinated, reactions develop more violently, but they fade away faster.
Attention!
To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Vaccination against tularemia" 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.