TT Full Form

The expanded form of TT is tetanus toxoid. Tetanus toxoid is an immunising agent that is administered in order to prevent contracting a tetanus infection.

Tetanus is an infectious disease that is caused by Clostridium tetani, a gram-positive bacillus. Although it doesn’t spread from one individual to another (non-communicable disease), the strains of Clostridium tetani make their way into the body through small wounds, breaches in skin or cuts in the mucosal membrane of the skin. The strains of the bacillus are resistant to heat and produce a potent toxin, called Tetanospasmin. This toxin disrupts the normal functioning of the central nervous system. It occurs due to interference created by tetanospasmin with the release of neurotransmitters, resulting in aggravated muscle spasm and contraction. 

Combinations Available with Tetanus Toxoid (TT)

1. DPT vaccine: The nomenclature for DPT is diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. In combination with diphtheria toxoid and pertussis antigens.
2. DTaP vaccine: The nomenclature is followed as diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis antigen.
3. Tdap vaccine: The lower case letters- p and d indicate the reduced form of toxoids.

The adverse reactions shown after giving an injection of DPT led to its replacement with other varieties of the vaccine that is TDaP and DTaP in 1992.

TT Vaccine- Indications

• To provide immunisation in infants, children and adult populations.
• To individuals at high risk of acquiring tetanus infection like athletes, farmers, staff working in a laboratory, gardeners etc.
• It has high prophylactic efficacy in cases with wound treatment and management.
• To prevent the incidence of neonatal tetanus, indicated in pregnant women or females in their childbearing age.
• Generally, three doses of tetanus toxoid are recommended. But in an individual with an injury who has received less than three TT vaccine doses, it is indicated. TDaP is usually administered in such cases.
• In case of unknown immunisation history

TT Vaccine- Contraindications 

In the following cases, there is a withdrawal in vaccination schedules.

• Anaphylactic or allergic reaction to the previous dose of TT vaccine.
• If there is an incidence of encephalopathy within 7 days of getting a tetanus toxoid vaccine, with no other etiological factor, future doses are contraindicated in such individuals.

Dosage of Tetanus Toxoid (TT)

The FDA (Food and drug administration) approved tetanus vaccine can be administered alone or in combination with other vaccines (DPT combination – diphtheria pertussis tetanus). 

Dosage criteria vary for both children, adults and pregnant women. 

• In the case of children below the age of seven years, there are five doses of tetanus toxoid (TT) vaccine schedule. Following is the dosage criteria:

• In the case of adults, the following is the recommended dosage criteria.

• In pregnant women, the first dose is given at the confirmation of pregnancy and the second dose at a gap of four weeks from the first given dose.

Toxicokinetics of TT 

The vaccination given for tetanus is a form of artificial active immunity. It functions by priming our active immunity. When a weakened or dead strain of clostridium tetani is introduced, the human body produces antibodies as a response to it (deliberately induced stimulation of immune response). So, if there happens an actual exposure with the bacterial strain, the body is aware of the same antigen it was exposed to as before and hence would be followed by rapid antibody production. The activation of B-cells results in the production of immunoglobulins against the toxoid. The antibodies subside by time, so periodic vaccine schedules are to be followed to increase the antibody production with time.

The tetanus toxoid is not capable of manifesting any of its pathogenic features because toxoid is an inactivated vaccine.

Side Effects After Getting a TT Vaccine

Although every vaccine has its associated side effects, the tetanus toxoid vaccine or tetanus toxoid containing vaccine have its side effects. 

• Pain at the site of injection
• Tender at site 
• Dizziness
• Slight to moderate fever
• Coating of tongue
• Nausea 

These resolve over time and do not require much medical attention, but if they persist a piece of medical advice should be taken.

Conclusion 

The tetanus toxoid (TT) is a vaccine that helps in the prevention and management of tetanus infection. The TT shot can be given in combination or alone in respective scenarios. The mechanism of action of vaccines and how it provides an immune reaction to the bacterial strains is of significant value. The dosage criteria vary in different groups of individuals. The TT vaccine is contraindicated in cases where an individual had experienced any allergic reaction to previous doses. Although the tetanus toxoid vaccine is safe and FDA approved, it rarely induces any adverse effects on an individual’s health.