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Vaccine Information Archive
Tetanus
Articles & Further Information
Disease Definition
Caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, tetanus takes about 1 to 21 days after infection for symptoms to show.
The
bacteria are spread from the environment to open wounds where they can
enter the blood stream. Toxins (poisonous substances) produced by the
bacteria affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as:
- muscle spasms;
- trismus (lockjaw);
- difficulty talking;
- difficulty breathing; and
- stiffness and/or pain in the shoulders, back and neck.
Source: www.immunise.health.gov.au
The
rate of tetanus is extremely low in industrialised countries. In
Australia most cases occur in the elderly who have the double problem
of poor circulation and immune system function.
About the vaccine Tetanus
vaccine is known to be highly reactive and as a result the amount of
tetanus toxoid in the vaccine has been significantly reduced over the
years. Too frequent administration of this vaccine may provoke an
immediate life-threatening ‘hypersensitivity’ reaction
Vaccines used in Australia:
- CDT (CSL) - Childhood Diphtheria & Tetanus Vaccine : DATA SHEET
- ADT (CSL) - Adult Diphtheria & Tetanus Vaccine : DATA SHEET
- Tet-Tox (CSL) - Tetanus toxoid absorbed : DATA SHEET
- (see DTP page for combination Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis vaccines)
DATA SHEETS
Sourced from: www.medsafe.govt.nz
Similar
to 'Package Inserts' these Data Sheets contain information provided by
the vaccine manufacturer and list ,among other things, the vaccine's
ingredients and possible side effects.
We here at the
AVN had the up-to-date Australian vaccination information on our
website for years. Unfortunately, a couple of years ago, we were
ordered to remove these details due to supposed copyright issues though
they are freely available across the Tasman as you can see.
As
far as we are able to determine, this information and the vaccine
manufacturers are exactly the same as the information released on
vaccines in Australia. It seems that the powers that be in Australia do
not want you to know what is in the vaccines being used here, what the
listed side-effects are and what contraindications (or reasons why the
vaccine might not be appropriate) there are for individuals who are
considering taking this shot. Hopefully, the authorities in Australia
will one day become more open-minded on this issue and will decide that
parents are not only capable of understanding this information but
should have access to it to assist in their decision-making process.
For now, here is the information from New Zealand.
Information on Vaccines used in the USA can be found here: www.vaccinesafety.edu/package_inserts.htm
Please share the links to these pages with anyone you know who is considering vaccinating their children or themselves.
Investigate BEFORE you vaccinate
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