Saibal Das and Somnath Mondal
This case report highlights an anaphylaxis reaction induced by intramuscular tetanus toxoid (TT) injection in a 6 year old girl having the first time exposure to this drug. TT is a commonly used vaccine used for active immunization against Clostridium tetani and is included in the National Immunization Schedule of India. Although TT is a very safe vaccine, its adverse reactions include local edema, tenderness, fever and may rarely induce life-threatening anaphylactic response, the potential causative agents can be TT antigens, aluminum phosphate or thimerosal preservative. Before its intramuscular administration, cutaneous hypersensitivity testing should be done routinely and there should be provisions for emergency measures in cases of anaphylaxis.