Diftériatetán

Diftériatetán is a vaccine that protects against diphtheria and tetanus by using inactivated forms of the toxins produced by the respective bacteria, known as toxoids. The diphtheria toxoid and tetanus toxoid are combined in a single preparation to stimulate the body's immune system to produce antibodies without causing disease. The vaccine is often formulated with an adjuvant to enhance the immune response.

Use and scheduling vary by country, but diftériatetán is a standard component of routine childhood immunization in many regions and is also used as a booster for older children, adolescents, and adults. In some schedules, it is given as part of a combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine (DTaP) for children, while adults typically receive a diphtheria-tetanus (Td) or tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) booster, depending on local guidelines and pertussis considerations. Primary vaccination in infancy is followed by boosters at intervals that commonly include several years and then every decade in adulthood.

Administration is by intramuscular injection. Common side effects are mild, such as soreness at the injection site, redness, or low-grade fever; serious adverse reactions are rare. Contraindications include a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any vaccine components, or a temporarily significant illness.

Diftériatetán has significantly contributed to reducing the incidence of diphtheria and tetanus worldwide by building population immunity through routine immunization and booster programs.