Tetanus Vaccination -- Help needed!

[irishmum]

(I have cross-filed this in the vaccination forum.) I was wondering if anyone could solve a vaccination mystery for me.

DH and I have decided that we are going to give our DD (19 months) the tetanus vaccination (and only the tetanus vaccination). We only want the tetanus vaccination, not the diphtheria or pertussis vaccinations. I had heard that this was available, but I am starting to think that this is akin to the Holy Grail. My midwife told us that the tetanus shot exists by itself and we can order it from the pharmacy and bring it to the clinic for injection. The pharmacy tells me that it can order it (for over $400) but I am not sure that this is actually the regular tetanus shot as opposed to a booster. Our pediatrician tells us that he is more than willing to order the tetanus shot for us (wonderful man!) but that it does not exist by itself. In fact, when we were leaving the doctor’s office, our pediatrician was researching the issue by looking in the “red book,” which is apparently the gospel when it comes to medications, etc.

Can somebody help me? Does the tetanus vaccination exist by itself? Is this the same as the tetanus booster? (I did not think so, but I’m starting to think I’m wrong.) If it does exist, where can I/the pediatrician/pharmacist/whoever order it from? Oh, and in case it’s important, I live in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in Minnesota.

Thanks ahead of time for your help!!!

[FernG]

I think that you can only give the T vaccine to children over the age of 7 years, but I'm not sure. Vaccines and boosters are the same thing - boosters usually just refer to vaccines given after the initial shot/series.

I'm assuming that you are aware that you can get the tetanus immonglobulin (TIG) at any ER should your child have a tetanus risk (e.g., crushing/ burn wound resulting in dead tissue).

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

As far as I know there is no tetnus vax for children under 7.

I would just go with the TIG should the need arise.

[runes]

A tetanus only vaccination for children does not exist.

The TTOXa is available for adults and children over 7 years of age. Here is the vaccine package insert for it, if you're interested. Please keep in mind that it is available in two forms. Individual vials have trace thimerosal (which contains mercury), and the multi-dose vial contains the full 25 mcg. of thimerosal per dose.

For future reference, here are all of the vaccines that are licensed in the United States, as well as links to the package inserts.

Since the vaccine that you are seeking is not available, if you would like, we can talk about tetanus and what to do in the event of an at-risk wound in your child.

Hope this helps!

[swissmom]

It does exist by itself, but from what I've learned, not in the US. We too only did the tetanus shot, it exists in Switzerland and probably a couple of other European countries. The name is Tetanol Pur, it has NO thiomersal in it and is approved for baby's from as old as 3-months. I think that theoretically it should be possible for a ped or pharmacist to especially order it for you, but I guess they must be willing to go the extra mile...

[Gitti]

What everyone else said.

Just one more unsolicited advice - research the Tetanus vaccine. It is totally unnecessary, especially for kids.