Vaccinations-Are they effective? Pres Thurles

Vaccinations- Are they effective?

Introduction History How they work! The Polio Vaccine The Rubella Vaccine How they are made e-mail us

The Meningococcal C Vaccine Who should be vaccinated? Side Effects Disadvantages TB & MMR

The Tetanus Vaccine

Tetanus is a serious disease that affects muscles. Toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani cause tetanus. These germs need no air to survive and thrive on dirt and dust. They get into the body through cuts and breaks in the skin. The germs multiply rapidly if no air gets into the wound. If tetanus develops, the disease is treated with anti-toxin injections. If severe tetanus occurs, the patient may undergo a tracheotomy. That is, an artificial opening is created in the trachea to help the patient breath.

Symptoms

These usually start within several weeks of infection. The victim feels depressed, experiences headaches and has trouble opening the mouth or swallowing due to lockjaw. After a while, all the body muscles tighten and spasms interfere with breathing. The victim may die of exhaustion.

The Tetanus Vaccine

People can be vaccinated against tetanus using a vaccine containing tetanus toxoid. This is a substance made from specially treated toxins of the bacillus. An attack of tetanus does not give automatic protection against a re-occurrence. After childhood vaccinations, an adult should be vaccinated every ten years to prevent infection. Tetanus can be given on its own or in the 3-in-1 vaccine (diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus).