Difference between TTand TD vaccine:
- The TT and TD vaccines are both used to provide immunity against tetanus, a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria.
- Tetanus is commonly associated with contaminated wounds or injuries.
- Since 1998, WHO has recommended that tetanus toxoid (TT) should be replaced by tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine.
A comparison between TT and TD vaccine
| Aspect | TT Vaccine( Tetanus Toxoid Vaccine)
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TD Vaccine (Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccine)
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| Components
|
Contains inactivated tetanus toxin (toxoid) only. | Contains both the inactivated tetanus and diphtheria toxoid. |
| Discovered by
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Emil von Behring and Shibasaburo Kitasato | The concept of combined vaccines was developed by immunologists and researchers in the field of vaccinology. |
| Year of discovery | The concept of using tetanus antitoxin was developed in the late 19th century, during the 1890s being foundational. | Combination vaccines like Td were developed over several decades in the 20th century. |
| Recommended Age and duration | Typically given to adolescents and adults as a booster shot every 10 years to maintain immunity. | The Td vaccine is recommended for adolescents and adults as a booster shot every10 years to ensure continued protection against tetanus and diphtheria. |
| Vaccination Schedule
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Requires additional vaccination for diphtheria. | Reduces the number of shots needed, thus promoting compliance. |
| Mode of Action
|
Immune system is being stimulated by the tetanus toxoid present in the vaccine. As a result immune system starts the production of antibodies against the tetanus toxin. When body is naturally exposed to these bacteria, These antibodies starts to neutralize the toxin produced by the bacteria, thus preventing the body from infection.
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Immune system is being stimulated by the tetanus and diphtheria toxoids present in the vaccine.
As a result immune system starts the production of antibodies against the toxins produced by the respective bacteria. When body is naturally exposed to these bacteria, the antibodies starts to neutralize the toxins produced by the bacteria and prevent the body from infection. |
| Combined Protection | Provides protection against tetanus only. | Offers protection against both tetanus and diphtheria. |
| Cost-Effectiveness | May result in multiple vaccinations for different diseases. | Offers cost-effective immunization against multiple diseases simultaneously. |
| Diphtheria Concern | Offers no protection against diphtheria. | Provides immunity against diphtheria, a serious disease. |
| Booster Shots | Given every 10 years for tetanus protection. | Given as a booster shot for adolescents and adults, especially during pregnancy or risk of exposure. |
| Effectiveness | The TT vaccine is highly effective in preventing from the active infection of tetanus. | The Td vaccine is highly effective in preventing from the active infection of tetanus and diphtheria. |