Tetanus: Previous page | 1,2,3,4

Key points and Vaccine Summary

Table of contents for Tetanus Introduction Tetanus - the disease Tetanus - the vaccine Key points and Vaccine Summary

Key points

• Tetanus is caused by bacteria found in the environment.
• Infection occurs during unclean delivery of babies, when contaminated objects are used to cut the umbilical cord, or anytime tetanus bacteria enter a puncture or cut in the skin.
• Neonatal tetanus remains a serious problem in countries with poor immunization coverage and unclean practices at childbirth. Most newborns with tetanus die.
• The best way to prevent tetanus is to immunize with tetanus toxoid and to clean wounds thoroughly and remove dead tissue.
• The best way to prevent neonatal tetanus is to immunize women of childbearing age (or pregnant women) and to ensure clean delivery practices.

Vaccine summary

• Type of vaccine Toxoid as DT, TT or Td
• Number of doses At least two primary doses
• Schedule See table on page 3 (Tetanus - the vaccine)
• Booster TT/Td every 10 years or during pregnancy. DT 18 months to six years of age
• Contraindications Anaphylactic reaction to previous dose
• Adverse reactions Mild local or systemic reactions are common and increase in frequency with increasing numbers of doses, and may constitute a contraindication to further doses
• Special precautions Reduced diphtheria (Td instead of DT) content as from seven years of age
• Dosage 0.5ml
• Injection site Outer upper arm
• Injection type Intramuscular
• Storage Store between 2°C–8°C. Never freeze

Tetanus: 1,2,3,4