What is the Difference Between Tetanus Toxoid and Tetanus Immunoglobulin?

The main difference between tetanus toxoid and tetanus immunoglobulin lies in the type of immunity they provide and their components:

• Tetanus Toxoid: This is a medication that contains modified tetanospasmin, which provides active immunity against tetanus. It is a vaccine that stimulates the immune system to produce its own antibodies against tetanus toxin. For primary immunization, adsorbed toxoid is given on two occasions at a 2-month interval, followed by a third dose. The immunity provided by tetanus toxoid is long-lasting, but it takes time to develop, and it does not provide immediate protection against tetanus.
• Tetanus Immunoglobulin: This is a solution containing antibodies, mainly IgG, that provide passive immunity against tetanus. It is given either as a protective measure to prevent people with a high-risk injury from getting tetanus or as a treatment for cases of tetanus. Tetanus immunoglobulin provides immediate protection, but its effects do not last as long as those of tetanus toxoid.

People with uncertain vaccination history and a tetanus-prone wound are recommended to receive both tetanus toxoid vaccine and tetanus immunoglobulin for the best protection. The combination of these two medications provides both active and passive protection, ensuring immediate and long-term immunity against tetanus.

Comparative Table: Tetanus Toxoid vs Tetanus Immunoglobulin

Here is a table comparing tetanus toxoid and tetanus immunoglobulin:

Tetanus toxoid is a vaccine that provides active immunity by stimulating the recipient's immune system to produce its own antibodies, while tetanus immunoglobulin is a medication that provides passive immunity by directly binding toxins with pre-formed antibodies.