TT vaccine (tetanus toxoid) for adults is highly recommended, especially for those who are at high risk of developing tetanus. Since there is no cure for this disease, vaccination is the best way to prevent it.
Tetanus is caused by a bacterial infection Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are often found in soil, dust, and animal or human feces. Usually, the bacteria that causes tetanus enter the body through cuts in the skin, such as puncture wounds or cuts from contaminated sharp objects, or burns.
Because tetanus is a dangerous disease, the tetanus vaccine is included in the mandatory vaccines given, including to adults. The TT vaccine for adults is available in the form of the Tdap vaccine (a combination of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis or whooping cough vaccine) or the Td vaccine (tetanus and diphtheria).
TT Vaccine Indications for Adults
All adults aged 19 years and over who have never received the tetanus vaccine need to have the TT vaccination, especially:
- Health workers who are in direct contact with patients
- Caregivers for babies under 1 year old, including parents, grandparents, and baby sitter
- Pregnant women in the third trimester (weeks 27–36), even though they have received the Tdap . vaccine
- Mothers who are giving birth for the first time and have never received the Tdap vaccine
TT Vaccine Administration and Dosage Schedule for Adults
As part of the routine vaccine schedule, the TT vaccine can be given to adolescents and adults over the age of 19. This vaccine is given as one injection booster with repeated doses every 10 years.
However, if you have a stab wound or deep cut or burn, the TT . vaccine booster usually given early, especially if the burn is severe. In addition, in the case of people with deep stab wounds or incisions, an additional dose of TT vaccine is required with the following rules:
- Clean and light wounds: three or more doses of TT vaccine, if it has been more than 10 years since the last dose of tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccine was given
- Deep and dirty wounds: three or more doses of Tdap vaccine, if it has been more than 5 years since the last dose of tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccine was given
Meanwhile, in people who have never received a series of tetanus vaccinations during childhood or whose vaccination history is unknown, the TT vaccine needs to be given at least 3 doses. The second dose is given 4 weeks after the first dose and the third dose is given 6–12 months after the second dose.
TT vaccine for pregnant women is also important to be given to reduce the risk of tetanus to the mother and fetus. Doctors will usually recommend pregnant women to undergo at least 1 injection of the TT vaccine in each pregnancy around week 27-36.
Conditions Require Delayed Administration of TT Vaccine for Adults
People who are mildly ill, such as the flu, cough, or low-grade fever can still get the TT vaccine. However, the TT vaccine for adults should not be given or should be delayed in people with the following conditions:
- Have ever had a serious allergic reaction to any of the ingredients in any vaccine or vaccine containing tetanus, either DPT, Tdap, or TT
- Have you ever had a coma or had a seizure after receiving your child's Tdap vaccination?
- Suffering from epilepsy or other nervous system problems
- Ever suffered Guillain-Barré . syndrome (immune system disorders)
TT Vaccine Side Effects for Adults
Just like other vaccines, the TT vaccine for adults also has side effects and usually goes away within a few days. Here are some of them:
- Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- Low fever and chills
- Headache
- Feel tired
- Stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea
Without vaccination, tetanus is at high risk of causing serious health problems, such as blockage of the pulmonary arteries, pneumonia, difficulty breathing, paralysis, and even death.
Giving the TT vaccine for adults is a simple and important step to protect the body from tetanus. If you have never had the tetanus vaccine, you should consult your doctor to get the TT vaccine on schedule.