Tetanus (DTaP) vaccine reaction

[Mom 2em All]

Sounds like my arm. I just had surgery for an infection- a reaction turned to cellulitis, turned to abscess. I now have drains in my arm and stitches and a stupid compression bandage, and have been getting daily IV antibiotics forever.

My infection was Not from a tetanus shot, though.

because you said it was improving and then became worse- it is more than likely an infection/cellulitis. This is nothing to mess around with. Cellulitis will spread fast, and you dont want it to get to your heart.
Please go into the ER. You need IV antibiotics.
I have been battling with it since February 11th, and unable to go back to work yet. Not fun at all.

 

[classicsredone]

I have a bad reaction to DTaP like you're describing. My arm got so swollen that it was at least twice normal size, if not three times. I tracked the swelling my outlining with an ink pen. It hurt SOO bad, too. It was like having giant shards of glass in my arm. I called the advice nurse who told me to go to the ER NOW. The nurses were so nice and said it was a good thing to come in, but the doctor I got was a jerk. I've talked with a few doctors since, and they told me to avoid another round of it since I could have a very serious reaction next time. I make sure to tell any new doctors or nurses that I can not have either formulation of the tetanus/diptheria/pertussis vaccine.

On a side note, I've been reading stories online, and it seems that the reactions have gotten worse since they reformulated about ten years ago. I always had a reaction, swelling, pain, and a low fever, but it didn't get BAD until I got the new adult formulation.

 

[PotterWatch]

Done at the er and headed back home already. They said it seems to be an infection, gave me some antibiotics and sent me on my way. Less than 40mins from walking in the door until I was in my car, medicine in hand. Great service from the VA!

 

[arabianequine]

Quote:
Exactly what mine did and I just let it run its course. Big hot red circle like the size of a softball or bigger and it was over where the shot was given. It left a hard knot for like a month too....but it slowly got smaller now gone.

 

[classicsredone]

Benadryl should help with the swelling/itching. They told me it was cellulitis when I went in. Hope you're feeling better soon!

 

[arabianequine]

So if we have had this reaction and can't have that kind of shot anymore, what do we do if we need it again? Is there a different shot in place of it? I had to have it because of an infection in my finger from a knife cut from cutting old raw beef off a bone. I don't know when I last had one so sure I was due.

 

[classicsredone]

I'd ask your doctor, but I can tell you the risk to most people is fairly low. There are only about 50 cases per year in the US. Mine said to go without it since I've probably got good immunity built up. I would also ask if the reaction is likely due to one of the components. If you're just reacting to say, pertussis, you can ask for a booster of just tetanus.

 

[booker81]

Glad you hit up the ER!

For me, I'm VERY prone to cellulitis/staph infections, especially for puncture wounds. I have to get antibiotics for bee stings - not because I'm allergic to them (which would require antihistamines or more), but because in a day or three, I get cellulitis and if it goes for more than a couple days, I need IV antibiotics.

If it's a reaction that starts after the shot, it's probably allergic, if it starts up a few days later it's probably infection. If it's an allergic reaction, you'll need to talk to your doc about getting/not getting it in the future. Infection, it may just be a need to clean the skin better (and let the alcohol dry completely, without wiping off or anything - which folks fail to do a lot), and then watching and being ready with a dose of antibiotics (since the infection often is just introducing your skin bacteria where they shouldn't go - under your skin. It is something to discuss with your doc either way.

(I'm to the point I can call in to my doctor to have a round of antibiotics prescribed and sent to my pharmacy whenever I get a sting or cellulitis from a cut, since we've done this sooooo many times now.)

 

[Mattemma]

T reactions like that are pretty much the norm.My mom had those.Dh too.

You can report it to VAERS(vaccine adverse event reporting system) if you have the lot number.

If you develop any of the more troublesome problems listed in the vaccine insert you can apply for medical compensation through NVICP(national vaccine injury compensation program),but don't hold your breath they will give you anything, or even acknowledge the vaccine=health issue link.

I would dose up on C to help speed tissue healing.

For people who can not get the T vaccine or the TIG(tetanus immunoglobulin) they would treat for the specific possible infection.

Adults now get a P? No TT or DT of Td options? Me,if I did them I would stick with the TT or Td. Easier to pinpoint causes of a reaction. If your vaccine had aluminum in it as a adjuvant then that can cause hard lumps at the injection site,which will eventually disappear.

Speedy healing!!!!!!

 

[coloradochick]

Glad to hear it was pretty short and sweet PW! Hopefully the meds will take care of it.