1 February 2008
The Department of Health will this year introduce a vaccine called Diftavax (Td) to be administered to children at the age 6 and 12 years. Diftavax (Td) replaces tetanus diphtheria (TD) and is composed of tetanus toxoid and a lower concentration of diphtheria toxoid, compared to the diphtheria in the tetanus diphtheria (TD) vaccine that it will replace. TD vaccine has up to now been administered to children at the of 5 years.
The Td dose at 12 years is a new addition to the schedule. It is to ensure the correct number of tetanus toxoid doses and a long enough interval between doses, thus allowing maximum duration of protection against tetanus, which is expected to be lifelong. Furthermore the revised schedule will allow for prolonged protection against diphtheria.
Tetanus is a condition that is caused by tetanus germs (spores). Tetanus spores are commonly found in the environment as they are the normal inhabitants of the intestines of animals, and thus are normally found in animal droppings/faeces.
Tetanus affects the nerves after an open wound is infected by tetanus spores. The infected person will have stiffness of the jaw, the neck and severe muscle spasms of the abdomen and back.
Neonatal tetanus is a condition that occurs in the first month of a child's life caused by unhygienic cord care practices. Similarly, unhygienic delivery and wound care practices can cause a mother who is not fully protected against tetanus to get tetanus after birth, called maternal tetanus.
As tetanus cannot be eradicated. there is a need to continue with immunisation for both pregnant women and children. The revised policy aims to ensure that over a period of time, the young girls who are immunised under this schedule will be fully protected against tetanus as they grow.
Thus this generation of girls will not need tetanus toxoid immunisation during pregnancy, when they become mothers.
The Td vaccine is safe and effective. The potential risks associated with the natural infections of tetanus and diphtheria are much greater than the potential risks that may be associated with the administration of the Td vaccine.
The National Department of Health would like to encourage and urge parents and caregivers to ensure that their children are fully immunised against childhood vaccine preventable diseases, and to report any cases of neonatal tetanus at the nearest health facility.
For more information contact: Ray Mahlaba 0822210460
Blantina Mabuela 082 3332225
Issued by the Chief Directorate: Communication
For more information contact: Fidel Hadebe 012 312 0663/079 517 3333 Or Bhungani Mzolo 012 312 3331/083 589 4999