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What Are The Side Effects Of Tetanus Vaccine?

Posted on Thu, 19 Nov 2015

Question: Hello doctor I just want to know what is the side effect of tetanus toxid vaccine if expired vaccine is given?does it loses its efficacy and potency only?or it also damages body or having other side effect also?and if more than 35 hrs are over then it can be assumed patient is safe?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Mostly no side effect.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
Tetanus Toxic vaccine contains antigens which if inserted inside would create antibody formation and help you develop immunity against tetanus in case exposed.
Now what really happens is that if you use an expired vaccine, it rarely caused any trouble. Only problem is that it won't be effective.
As far as efficacy is concerned one should be given Tetanus shot with in 24 hours of exposure. It's not that if given late it won't cause effect but it might not be able to produce enough antibodies to fight with the contracted Tetanus organism.
If you could tell me the details of exposure then I can give a much clearer insight.
I hope it helps you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (21 minutes later)

Sir I have taken last booster dose 4 month ago only but yesterday I had a only pinch from iron net which make me only very very little blood and I took a vaccine at a clinic they used 5ml vial and they used that vial for me by using 0.5ml then they put that ampule in refrigerator then told me that it's expiry is on 11/15!!im only just confirming if it's expired then what?and 5ml ampule can be used several time is that okay if it put to refrigerator again as the ampule is cold at the time they used?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry.

Detailed Answer:
Yes 6 month is the time for booster dose. I don't think you are at risk as you got the vaccine 4 month back. In worst scenario if we consider that the vaccination done by the center to you was ineffective still you are safe.
5 ml vials are available in the market but all vials have to be kept in refrigerator only. So if the vial was outside for long then probably it is not effective.
November expiry is not an issue as still it's under acceptable time period.
Good luck.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (23 minutes later)

Sir my last question if vaccine have to show any side effect any adverse reaction or contamination then what is the maximum time it's show its effect?is it true that 24 hours are enough?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (1 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Yes.

Detailed Answer:
Any adverse reaction to vaccine are seen in first 24-48 hours and practically not later.
If you have any further query, please ask me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (42 hours later)

Sir if if more than 72 hour is over then it can be clearly stated that vaccine now don't show any adverse or I'll effect even in worst case scenario its expired?and tt vaccine only losses its potency and efficacy if expired?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely after 72 hours.

Detailed Answer:
It is very unlikely that an expired medicine would show any adverse effects after 72 hours.
As far as efficacy is concerned an expired medicine always has a doubtful efficacy and can't be trusted.
Good luck.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar