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Tetanus vaccine during pregnancy

The tetanus vaccine is a toxoid vacccine that is administered to prevent, but not to treat, tetanus (lockjaw).

How tetanus vaccine works

The tetanus vaccine is a toxoid vaccine, which is made by treating toxins with heat or chemicals such as formalin to remove toxicity. Tetanus toxoid stimulates the body's immune system to produce antibodiesA protein immunoglobulin which is produced naturally by the body and is essential to the immune system by working to combat foreign bodies, germs or bacteria. They are produced by thelymphoid tissue and consist of different classes each of which is designed to fight specific antigens. They include agglutinins, bacteriolysins, opsonins and preciptin.
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against tetanus.

Tetanus vaccine and pregnancy

There are insufficient studies to confirm the effects of tetanus vaccine on preganncy. If you have already received immunization against tetanus, antibodies in your bloodstream will pass to the baby and provide protection after delivery.

There is no evidence of tetanus toxoid causing problems during breastfeeding.

The tetanus vaccine is not recommended for children aged six weeks and under.

Known food interactions

There are no known food interactions.

There are no special warnings regarding the consumption of alcohol in conjunction with the poliovirus vaccine.

Disease interactions

Consult your doctor before receiving the tetanus vaccine if you have a history of any of the following:

  • any illness causing fever
  • history of seizures
  • neurological disorders
  • you hand a severe reaction or high fever after receiving a previous injection
  • you have pneumonia, bronchitis or other illness that affects the lungs

Drug interactions

You should consult your doctor about specific drug interactions before receiving the tetanus vaccine.

Reasons to consult your doctor

  • Consult your doctor immediate if you experience any of the following symptoms:
  • facial swelling
  • hives
  • itching, especially on hands and feet
  • redness of skin, especially around the ears
  • serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • severe fatigue
  • swelling of the eyes or nasal passages
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