Tetanus is a life threatening disease caused by spores of the bacteria Clostridium tetani. According to the Mayo Clinic, this is a serious disease that can cause stiffness of your jaw muscles, lead to severe muscles spasms, make breathing difficult and can ultimately lead to death. Fortunately, there is a vaccine that acts as an effective defense against tetanus. Before you get any vaccine, you should be aware of its ingredients and possible side effects.
Clostridium Tetani Antigen
Drugs.com states that the Clostridium tetani antigen is an active ingredient in the tetanus vaccine. An antigen is a foreign substance that is introduced to the body. According to Medline Plus, an antigen can be a chemical, bacteria, virus or pollen. The body's immune system detects this antigen and forms special molecules (antibodies) that deactivate the antigen. In the case with the tetanus vaccine, the body produces antibodies to the Clostridium tetani antigen, which then prepare the body for a more effective response to any future exposure to tetanus. Therefore, your body will become immune to tetanus because it now has active defenses against it. Possible side effects of this vaccine include pain at the injection site, dizziness, headache, seizures, muscle pain, joint pain, rash, nausea, and skin infections, according to Drugs.com. If you are having any of these reactions to this vaccine, alert your doctor.
Clostridium Diphtheria Antigen
The Corynebacterium antigen is an active component in this vaccine because it is always combined with tetanus. Corynebacterium Diphtheria is the bacterium that causes diphtheria. According to the Mayo Clinic, diphtheria is a serious infection that causes a severe sore throat, fever, swollen glands and weakness. In addition, diphtheria causes a gray membranous growth to occur in the back of your throat. This ingredient does not provide protection against tetanus. It provides protection against diphtheria the same way the Clostridium tetani antigen provides protection against tetanus. Because these ingredients are combined, the side effects of the vaccine are also the same.
Inactive Ingredients
Inactive ingredients aid in the delivery of this vaccine, but do not offer protection against these diseases. According to Drugs.com, these ingredients include aluminum phosphate and formaldehyde. Consult your doctor before taking this vaccine if you have an allergy to any of these inactive ingredients.
