Description:

Tetavax is an adsorbed tetanus toxoid vaccine (suspension for injection) used for active immunization against tetanus (lockjaw), caused by Clostridium tetani. It provides protection by stimulating the production of neutralizing antibodies to tetanus toxin. It is indicated for primary immunization, booster doses, and post-exposure prophylaxis in individuals with tetanus-prone wounds (especially when immunization history is incomplete or unknown).

Prescription:

• Yes

Therapeutic Category:

• Vaccine / Immunological Agent / Tetanus Toxoid

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Tetanus toxoid ≥40 IU (international units) per 0.5 ml dose, adsorbed on hydrated aluminium hydroxide (0.6 mg aluminium per dose). Additional ingredients include buffer solution (sodium chloride, disodium phosphate dihydrate, monopotassium phosphate) and water for injection.

Minerals:

• Aluminium (as aluminium hydroxide adjuvant, approximately 0.6 mg per dose)

Variant:

• Single-dose prefilled syringe (0.5 ml) or multi-dose vial (e.g., 10-dose or 20-dose presentations in some markets)

Consume Type:

• Parenteral (Intramuscular or Subcutaneous injection)

Directions/Usage:

• Administered by a healthcare professional only. Shake well before use. Primary immunization: Typically 2-3 doses (0.5 ml each) at intervals (e.g., 4-8 weeks between doses, third at 6-12 months). Booster: One dose every 10 years after primary series. Post-exposure prophylaxis: One dose if wound is tetanus-prone and prior vaccination is inadequate (may combine with tetanus immunoglobulin). Dosage follows national schedules or WHO recommendations; exact schedule determined by healthcare provider based on age, immunization history, and indication.

Common Side Effects:

• Local reactions (pain, redness, swelling at injection site), mild fever, fatigue, headache, malaise. Rare: Hypersensitivity reactions (rash, urticaria), anaphylaxis.

Package Type:

• Prefilled syringe (single dose) or vial (multi-dose, e.g., 10 or 20 doses) with or without separate syringes/needles

Storage Advice:

• Store at 2-8°C (refrigerator); do not freeze. Protect from light. Shelf life typically 3 years when stored properly. Discard if frozen or discolored.

Safety Advice:

• For professional administration only. Contraindicated in severe acute febrile illness or known hypersensitivity to any component. Caution in patients with bleeding disorders (subcutaneous route preferred). Monitor for anaphylaxis (facilities must be available). Safe in pregnancy and lactation when indicated (e.g., for wound prophylaxis). Not for treatment of active tetanus infection. Follow-up confirmatory testing if needed for high-risk wounds.

Product Substitutes:

• Serum Institute Tetanus Toxoid Adsorbed Vaccine
• Tetanol
• Generic Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine (various manufacturers)
• Td vaccines (combined tetanus-diphtheria, e.g., TENIVAC, TDVAX)

Manufacturer/Marketer:

• Sanofi Pasteur

Country of Origin:

• France