An effective way to prevent infectious diseases and mass epidemics is vaccination.
Although the vast majority of vaccines are given in the first years of life, some drugs are used later. Adults are required to be vaccinated against diphtheria.
It is extremely important to perform this procedure in a timely manner to avoid the development of a dangerous disease.
What is diphtheria
Diphtheria is a dangerous infectious disease, the development of which is provoked by the diphtheria bacillus. At the site of pathogen penetration, a fibrous film is formed, and the inflammatory process begins.
Due to the penetration of exotoxin into the blood, general intoxication is observed, leading to serious complications.
The infection is transmitted by airborne droplets. The source of infection is a patient with diphtheria or a carrier of it.
Most often, the oropharynx is affected, but sometimes the trachea, nose, larynx, and respiratory tract. Rarely, the pathogen affects the ears, genitals, eyes, and skin.
Pathology leads to the development of complications. Negative changes are observed in the peripheral nervous and cardiovascular systems. Nephrotic kidney syndrome is also possible.
What is the name of the diphtheria vaccine?
Children are most often vaccinated with DPT. This is a multicomponent remedy that protects the vaccinator not only from diphtheria, but also from pathogenic pertussis and tetanus bacteria. Its imported analogue can be called Infanrix. Both vaccinations contain inactivated (pre-killed) microbial cells.
DPT vaccine
DTP is given to children under 4 years of age. ADS – from 4 to 6 years. And after 6 years, ADS-M and AD-M are vaccinated. Moreover, Infanrix can be used at any age.
DTP is a “heavy” drug for a child’s body. It differs from others in its increased range of adverse reactions. While Infanrix and similar vaccines do not cause similar effects.
These include:
- Bubo-M is another combination remedy for diphtheria. It is often recommended for children over 6 years old;
- Imovax (D.T Adult) . Applicable from 6 years of age;
- Tetrakok 05 is a combined vaccine, used from 3 months of life;
- and Pentaxim . Also recommended from three months. It differs in that it protects against five diseases at once.
The vaccination record on the card may look like this:
Date Route of administration and dose Name of drug Reaction
03/07/2017 i/m 0.5 DTP ser.1 –
In our country, anti-diphtheria immunization is carried out by DPT, Pentaxim and Infanrix.
Is it necessary to vaccinate?
Vaccination against diphtheria is the only effective way to protect against a disease that can lead to death. Previously, this pathology was classified as a group of childhood diseases, but now the infection affects adults. Diphtheria is often diagnosed in people 20-40 years old .
Antibiotics and other medications are ineffective against diphtheria bacillus. These drugs are used in conjunction with serum designed to build immunity.
It is best to vaccinate early to prevent infection.
When talking about whether vaccinations are necessary, doctors say unequivocally - yes. This is the only way to develop immunity that can protect against the penetration of bacteria.
Why should you get a tetanus shot?
The tetanus vaccine is included in the list of mandatory vaccinations that are listed in the national calendar. The fact is that it was not possible to get rid of the infection, despite the successes of modern medicine.
Information that every person should know about tetanus:
- The causative agent of the disease can exist both in the human body and in the intestines of animals. Together with feces, it enters the reservoir and soil. This increases the likelihood of infection if the skin is injured.
- The bacterium is a gram-positive rod. When exposed to unfavorable conditions, it transforms into spores. In this form, the infectious agent can exist for about 100 years. Spores are not afraid of low temperatures, they survive when water is boiled for 3 hours, microbes feel great in the soil.
- If a person has once had tetanus, then he develops a natural defense that lasts throughout his life. A person will not be able to get sick a second time.
- Tetanus leads to the death of children in 96% of cases, adults die in 16-80% of cases.
Types of vaccines used
Immunization of the adult population is carried out through the use of complex medications that prevent the development of diphtheria and other pathologies.
The most commonly used drugs are ADS-M Anatoxin (domestic production), Imovax DT Adult (manufactured in France). The drugs contain tetanus and diphtheria toxoids.
Tetracok solution can also be used. It is designed to protect against diphtheria and polio. The medicine is produced using a special technology and undergoes several stages of purification. Therefore it is considered safe.
The monovaccine AD-M Anatoxin is rarely used. It promotes the development of immunity only against diphtheria.
When should you get the vaccine?
DPT is the vaccine that protects a person from tetanus. In addition to tetanus toxoids, it includes protection against diphtheria and whooping cough. The vaccine is included in the national vaccination calendar. The plan differs between children and adults.
Vaccination of children
Children are given DTP 5 times. After this, the child develops a strong immunity to the disease. He will protect it for 10 years.
Age at which a child should receive the tetanus vaccine:
- 3 months.
- 4.5 months.
- 6 months.
- 1.5 years.
- 6-7 years.
In order for immunity to remain at the required level, vaccination must be repeated every 10 years. A teenager is revaccinated for the first time at 14 or 16 years of age.
Vaccine administration to adults
Adults are given a tetanus vaccine in accordance with the Order of the Ministry of the Russian Federation No. 174 of May 17, 1999. Age when a person should receive the next vaccination:
- In the period 18-27 years.
- In the period 28-37 years.
- In the period 48-57 years.
- People over 58 years of age are given the vaccine every 10 years.
If a person has been vaccinated before, then every 10 years he is administered tetanus toxoid in the amount of 1 dose. If he has not received vaccination, then he is given 2 doses of the drug with an interval of 1 month. The next vaccination will be given in 10 years.
The following categories of citizens receive mandatory vaccination:
- Students.
- Serving in the army.
- Builders.
- Workers on the railway.
- Diggers.
In addition, if a person lives in an area that is epidemiologically unfavorable for tetanus, then he is required to be vaccinated.
Preparing for vaccination
No special preparation is required for vaccination. You just have to choose the right period so that there is no stress or excessive load. It would be a good idea to take vitamin supplements and include foods rich in nutrients in your diet.
If you are prone to allergies, you should start taking antihistamines five days before the procedure.
Restrictions after drug administration
After vaccination, it is extremely important to follow all medical recommendations.
During this period you should not:
- visit crowded places for several days;
- overeat for three days (semi-starvation is recommended);
- eat exotic fruits, unfamiliar foods, sweets, spices, pickles, spicy dishes for 2-3 days;
- visit baths, saunas, swimming pools for a week;
- drink alcohol for three days;
- wet the injection site on the first day.
Exercising after drug administration
Physical activity after vaccination is not recommended. Sports should be postponed for a week. After this time, it will be possible to return to the usual rhythm of life.
What can and cannot be done after vaccination?
Once the vaccine is given, the body will begin to produce antibodies. They will protect a person from the disease. Revaccination stimulates the process of antibody production. A single dose does not provide reliable protection,
Therefore, repeated administration of the vaccine is required at certain time intervals. The production of immunoglobulins in the body can lead to certain reactions on its part, so you need to follow the recommendations given by the doctor.
Forbidden:
- One day before the vaccine and 3 days after its administration, you should not drink alcohol.
- It is not recommended to eat foods that can cause an allergic reaction: all citrus fruits, honey, fish and seafood, confectionery and baked goods, chocolate, coffee and cocoa, sweet soda.
- For 3 days, a person should not exercise or put too much stress on the body.
- It is forbidden to visit the sauna and bathhouse, and you cannot go to the pool.
- You should refrain from going to crowded places, for example, a clinic, a store, a theater, etc.
After receiving the vaccine, the following actions are permissible:
- You can take a shower.
- You can apply a sterile bandage to the injection site.
- You can take allergy medications.
- You need to stick to a light diet: drink as much water as possible, eat fresh vegetables and fruits, cereals, and dairy products.
Side effects
The reaction to vaccination is usually mild. The following side effects are sometimes observed:
- slight rise in temperature;
- redness, hardening of the injection site;
- runny nose;
cough;- sore throat;
- diarrhea;
- gagging;
- nausea;
- rashes;
- weakness;
- apathy;
- irritability;
- excessive sweating;
- headache.
Such symptoms disappear on their own after three days. There is no reason to worry. This is a normal reaction of the body to the administered drug.
Price and where to do it
On the territory of Russia, any vaccinations included in the preventive vaccination calendar are carried out free of charge with the consent of the patient (his parents, if this is a child). It also includes anti-diphtheria vaccination.
In addition, it is possible to carry out paid immunization in a private clinic. They use high-quality foreign drugs.
Vaccine Infanrix Hexa
The average prices for diphtheria vaccines per dose are as follows:
- Infanrix Hexa ~4800 rubles;
- ADS ~500 rubles;
- ADS-M ~400 rubles;
- DTP ~550 rubles.
The main difference between imported vaccines is their high degree of purification, which virtually eliminates the occurrence of negative post-vaccination symptoms.
Complications
Complications rarely develop in the post-vaccination period. As a rule, they are observed when existing contraindications are neglected, the rules for administering the drug, and medical recommendations are not followed.
The following consequences of immunization are possible:
hives;- Quincke's edema;
- bronchitis;
- laryngitis;
- rhinitis;
- polymorphic exudative erythema;
- anaphylactic shock;
- hyperthermia;
- fever;
- collapsed state;
- loss of consciousness;
- cardiac, respiratory failure;
- decreased muscle tone;
- otitis;
- eczema;
- diathesis;
- dermatitis;
- increased intracranial pressure;
- convulsive syndrome;
- brachial nerve neuritis;
- encephalitis.
If such changes occur, immediate medical attention is needed. Only with timely consultation with a doctor will it be possible to normalize the condition and avoid serious consequences.
Temperature rose after vaccination
The temperature may rise within 24 hours after the procedure. Such changes do not cause concern. This is a normal reaction to the vaccine.
It is worth noting that changing the thermometer readings does not in any way help the development of immunity.
The temperature needs to be brought down .
Antipyretics based on ibuprofen and paracetamol are used. If an increase in temperature is observed more than two days after vaccination, then the symptoms cannot be regarded as a reaction to the vaccine. This is a symptom of another disease. This condition has nothing to do with immunization. You need to seek help from a therapist.
Lump at the injection site
A lump formed at the injection site of the drug is noted when the injection is placed under the skin (the instructions suggest performing the injection intramuscularly). Absorption into the blood slows down. Therefore, a tubercle appears at the injection site.
No therapeutic measures are needed. After a month, the lump will resolve on its own. You just have to make sure that the affected area is always clean. When infection penetrates, a purulent process may begin.
Allergy to vaccination
An allergic reaction to the vaccine is rare. Most often, a rash appears on the skin. Quincke's edema is also possible. Often manifestations of allergies include bronchitis, rhinitis, and laryngitis. Such changes appear within five days after the injection.
An extremely dangerous, rare complication of an allergic nature is anaphylactic shock.
It is observed in people with hypersensitivity to the components of the drug .
It appears on the first day after vaccination. To avoid such complications, it is recommended to take antihistamines five days before vaccination and three days after it.
The injection site is swollen
Swelling of the affected area is often noted. Its occurrence is due to a local inflammatory process.
Unpleasant symptoms disappear when the medication is completely absorbed into the bloodstream. If there is no pain or discomfort, there is no need to worry. A week later the condition returns to normal.
The vaccine started to hurt
The formation of local inflammation is noted at the injection site.
Pain syndrome is a natural reaction that occurs to inflammation. The persistence of these symptoms will be observed until the medication is completely absorbed into the blood (about seven days). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs will help reduce the severity of symptoms.
The most commonly used are the following:
- Analgin;
- Nimesulide;
- Ibuprofen.
How long does the vaccine last?
The immunity of persons who have had the disease is unstable and does not exclude re-infection with diphtheria. Therefore, it is important to vaccinate the entire population. After vaccination, artificial active immunity is formed, which lasts 10 years. After the specified period of time, revaccination is necessary.
Interesting fact! Immunization helps combat human resistance to antibiotics.
