T-Vac Dosage/Direction for Use

The full basic course of immunization against tetanus consists of two primary doses of 0.5 mL at least four weeks apart, followed by the third dose 6-12 months later. To maintain a high level of immunity further 0.5 mL booster doses are recommended at every feasible interval (for adults usually 5 to 10 years).
Protection of the Newborn Against Tetanus: For prevention of neonatal tetanus, tetanus toxoid is recommended for immunization of women of childbearing age, and especially pregnant women. Tetanus toxoid may be safely administered during pregnancy and should be given to the mother at first contact or as early as possible in pregnancy. A five dose schedule is recommended for previously unimmunized women of childbearing age: after the basic course of immunization with three doses, two additional booster doses should be given, at least one year after the previous dose or during the subsequent pregnancy.
Vaccination of Injured Persons: For those subjects who have proof of either completing their course of primary immunizations containing tetanus toxoid or receiving a booster shot within the previous 5 years no additional dose of tetanus toxoid is recommended. If more than 5 years have elapsed, and infection with tetanus because of injury or other cause is suspected, 0.5 mL of the adsorbed tetanus toxoid should be given immediately. Where the immunization history is inadequate 1500 IU (3000 old AU) tetanus antiserum and 0.5 mL toxoid should be injected, with separate syringes, to different body sites. (If available, 250 units of tetanus immune globulin (human origin) can be substituted for the tetanus antiserum). A second 0.5 mL dose of toxoid is recommended after 2 weeks and a third dose after a further 1 month. (A note of caution: if horse-origin tetanus antiserum is used in prophylaxis, the patient should be tested for sensitivity to horse serum protein prior to its administration. It is desirable to have 1 mL of Adrenaline solution (1:1000) immediately available and the normal precautions followed when injecting antitoxins).
Method of Inoculation: Tetanus toxoid should be injected intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle in women and older children. If there are indications for the use of tetanus toxoid in younger children, the preferred site for intramuscular injection is the anterolateral aspect of the upper thigh since it provides the largest muscular mass. Only sterile needles and syringes should be used for each injection. The vaccine should be well shaken before use.
Once opened, multi-dose vials should be kept between +2°C and +8°C. Multi-dose vials of T-Vac [Tetanus Toxoid (Adsorbed)] from which one or more doses of vaccine have been removed during an immunisation session may be used in subsequent immunisation sessions for up to a maximum of 28 days, provided that all of the following conditions are met (as described in the W.H.O. policy statement: Handling of multi dose vaccine vials after opening, W.H.O./IVB/14.07): The vaccine is currently prequalified by W.H.O.; The vaccine is approved for use for up to 28 days after opening the vial, as determined by W.H.O.; The expiry date of the vaccine has not passed; The vaccine vial has been, and will continue to be, stored at W.H.O. or manufacturer recommended temperatures; furthermore, the vaccine vial monitor, if one is attached, is visible on the vaccine label and is not past its discard point, and the vaccine has not been damaged by freezing.
The vaccine should be visually inspected for any foreign particulate matter and/or variation of physical aspect prior to administration. In event of either being observed, discard the vaccine.