Are there any side effects of the diphtheria vaccine? As a rule, adverse reactions and complications occur when there are contraindications to vaccination.
The severity of allergic reactions largely depends on the composition of the anti-diphtheria serum and the immune status of the body.
It should be noted that the vaccine against diphtheria in adults is carried out with the so-called ADS vaccine. It does not include exotoxin whooping cough, as it negatively affects the work of the respiratory center.
What is anti-diphtheria serum?
Antidiphtheria serum is an injection solution containing blood components that have previously undergone hyperimmunization with toxoid. The preparation made from diphtheria bacillus toxin does not have pronounced toxic properties, but it promotes the production of antibodies in the body against the causative agent of diphtheria. Routine immunization of children helps prevent the development of a serious illness that entails inflammation of the mucous membrane of the pharynx, larynx, pharynx and other parts of the respiratory system.
As a rule, young children are vaccinated against two diseases at once - tetanus and diphtheria. Vaccination is carried out with adsorbed diphtheria-tetanus toxoid (ADS).
Until recently, vaccinations were given with drugs containing pertussis toxoid (DPT), but it is poorly tolerated by children.
Vaccinations can cause adverse reactions, but vaccination remains the only possible way to prevent epidemics in the population.
Side effects in adults
The response to the diphtheria vaccine is largely dependent on the state of the patient's immune system. Side effects are rare and in most cases caused by ignoring contraindications. As already mentioned, ADS vaccine is used to vaccinate adults, which does not include pertussis toxoid.
Normal adverse reactions to diphtheria serum include:
- short-term temperature rise;
- malaise and fatigue;
- thickening of tissues at the injection site;
- slight redness and swelling of the skin at the injection site.
The response to vaccination is assessed within 24 hours after the administration of the anti-diphtheria serum.
To prevent suppuration, it is undesirable to wet the puncture site for several hours. If the patient has pain in his hand, and the low temperature lasts for more than 3 days, you should seek help from a doctor.
Short-term side reactions are eliminated with the help of anti-allergic and antipyretic drugs.
Side effects in children
It should be noted that diphtheria toxoid, which is part of the serum, cannot provoke a disease only with a normal immunological status. If the child is currently sick with ARVI, influenza, scarlet fever or chicken pox, vaccination should be postponed for at least 2-3 weeks. Due to the fact that children are more prone to allergic reactions than adults, they are more likely to experience side effects.
Normal reactions after vaccination in children of any age group include:
- swelling of the skin at the injection site;
- drowsiness and tearfulness;
- poor sleep;
- slight pain in the arm;
- subfebrile condition;
- decreased appetite;
- the formation of seals on the arm.
Absolutely all of the above reactions go away by themselves within a week after vaccination. Complications arise if parents do not follow the recommendations for caring for the child after the vaccination.
Contraindications
Diphtheria vaccinations have a number of contraindications that must be taken into account. Vaccinations are not done if the patient has an intolerance to the components that make up the anti-diphtheria serum. Direct contraindications for vaccination are:
- diseases of the central nervous system;
- blood pathology;
- renal and hepatic impairment;
- acute respiratory diseases;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- pregnancy and lactation.
Ignoring contraindications can cause serious complications, and in some cases, death. If, within a week after the vaccination, the hand continues to hurt, and inflammation or suppuration occurs at the injection site, this may indicate damage to the neuromuscular fibers. In the event of pathological symptoms, the visit to the doctor cannot be postponed.
Complications in adults
What are the possible consequences of diphtheria serum vaccination? It should be noted right away that complications in adults occur most often after the introduction of multicomponent vaccines. The immune system of an adult is not able to adequately respond to the penetration of a large number of pathogenic antigens into the systemic circulation, which causes the development of the following diseases:
- lymphadenitis - purulent inflammation of the lymph nodes in the axillary region, which occurs as a response of the body to the penetration of diphtheria toxoid into the lymphatic system;
- lymphangitis - an acute inflammation of the lymphatic vessels, accompanied by damage to large arteries and veins;
- osteomyelitis - septic inflammation of bone tissue throughout the body - bone marrow, periosteum
etc.; - arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that occurs as a result of metabolic disturbances in the body.
etc.;Can side effects be prevented in adults? Revaccination with anti-diphtheria serum is carried out every 10 years. If the patient has not previously experienced adverse reactions to the components of the drug, this does not mean that 10 years later they will not appear. Therefore, before immunization, it is necessary to undergo a thorough examination, thanks to which it will be possible to avoid the development of serious complications.
Complications in children
Can there be negative consequences when vaccinating children? Allergic reactions and severe systemic complications in children are rare. However, it should be remembered that it is impossible to inject anti-diphtheria serum to a child during diathesis, exacerbation of infectious diseases and during antimicrobial therapy.
Important! If a child has diathesis, anti-diphtheria serum can cause the development of Quincke's edema.
In rare cases, the ADS vaccine leads to the development of minor complications:
- eczema;
- diarrhea;
- pharyngitis;
- rhinitis;
- bronchitis;
- dermatitis.
If the ADS vaccine is given to a child, despite the presence of direct contraindications, it can cause more serious complications. The introduction of diphtheria toxoid in children with weakened immune defenses leads to damage to peripheral nerves and, as a result, the development of paralysis, strabismus or paresis of the extremities. However, in medical practice, there have been no cases of death after immunization of children.
Is it possible to wet the vaccination site and what can this lead to? Pediatricians do not prohibit washing the child, however, it is not recommended to take a bath in the first days after the vaccine is administered. During water procedures, it is undesirable to use shower gels. Alternatively, it is better to use regular baby soap that does not cause allergic reactions.
