The Tetanus Vaccine Immunization Schedule
The Tetanus toxoid vaccine is given as part of the Pentavalent vaccine. The pentavalent vaccine is made of 5 vaccines and given as one injection. The injection is given into the muscle on the anterior side of the left mid-thigh. The vaccine is given at 6 weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks. The vaccine protects the child for at least 5 years.
The side effects of the pentavalent vaccine include a high temperature, poor feeding and irritability. The injection site may be swollen and painful for a few days. Babies can be given pain relief medication as prescribed by the nurse.
The Tetanus toxoid vaccine contains weakened versions of the tetanus toxin so it can not cause infection when you receive the vaccine.
Tetanus
Tetanus is caused by clostridium tetani bacteria which secretes a toxin when it gets into body tissues through injury. The tetanus toxin attacks the nervous system and paralysis it. Newborns get infected if the umbilical cord is cut/dressed with contaminated objects. such as unsterile knives and blades or unhygienic circumcision practices. The symptoms of tetanus in babies include extreme stiffness of the whole body with spasms. The symptoms of neonatal tetanus typically appear within 4 to 14 days after birth.
Symptoms of tetanus in the newborn
Muscle stiffness and spasms: One of the hallmark symptoms of neonatal tetanus is muscle stiffness and spasms, which typically begin in the jaw and neck muscles and then spread to the rest of the body. This can cause the baby to have a stiff posture and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Irritability and restlessness: Neonatal tetanus can also cause the baby to be irritable and restless, and have difficulty sleeping or feeding.
Fever: The baby may have a fever or elevated body temperature.
Breathing difficulties: The muscle stiffness caused by tetanus can affect the baby's ability to breathe, leading to respiratory distress or failure.
Excessive crying: Neonatal tetanus can also cause the baby to cry excessively, and have a high-pitched cry.
Difficulty with feeding: The muscle stiffness and spasms caused by tetanus can make it difficult for the baby to suck or swallow, leading to feeding difficulties.
Generalized muscle rigidity: The muscle stiffness and spasms can eventually progress to generalized muscle rigidity, which can cause the baby to arch their back and have difficulty moving.
Neonatal tetanus is a serious and potentially deadly condition, and prompt medical attention is essential. The World Health Organization estimates that there were 30,000 deaths due to neonatal tetanus worldwide in 2019.
Prevention of Tetanus
In addition to promoting sterile delivery practices, vaccination is also an important tool in preventing neonatal tetanus. Pregnant women are vaccinated with the tetanus toxoid vaccine, which provides immunity to the mother and also passes on some immunity to the baby. This helps to protect the newborn baby from tetanus infection during the first few months of life.
Treating neonatal tetanus is challenging, and the mortality rate is high. Treatment typically involves managing the symptoms of muscle stiffness and spasms, as well as providing supportive care such as breathing assistance and nutrition. Antibiotics may also be used to help fight the infection. However, prevention is key, and efforts to promote sterile delivery practices and vaccination are essential to reducing the burden of neonatal tetanus.
Tetanus was once a major cause of newborn deaths in Ghana but as a result of vaccinations for both pregnant women and babies, it is not very common anymore.
Tetanus vaccine boosters are recommended after 5 years if the child has a contaminated injury. Pregnant women also receive 2 boosters during antenatal visits.
It is important to note that the tetanus vaccine does not prevent rabies from a dog bite.
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