Immunization

Tetanus

The Disease

Tetanus enters the body through cuts in the skin. It can get in through even a tiny pinprick or scratch, but it prefers deep puncture wounds or cuts, like those made by nails or knives. Children can also get tetanus following severe burns, ear infections, tooth infections, or animal bites. Rusty nails are often blamed for causing tetanus, but is the tetanus bacteria, and not rust, that causes the disease. You can get tetanus from a shiny nail as easily as from a rusty one.

 

The Immunization

As with the diphtheria vaccine, tetanus vaccine is really a toxoid, which protects against the toxin produced by tetanus bacteria.

 

Recently a second tetanus vaccine, Tdap, was added to the schedule for adolescents. It is recommended that adolescents receive this vaccine instead of Td.

 

Vaccine Recommendations

• AAP: Prevention of Pertussis Among Adolescents: Recommendations for Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid, and Acellular Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine

• CDC: Preventing Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis Among Adults: Use of Tetanus Toxoid, Reduced Diphtheria Toxoid and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Exit Site)

 

Quick Facts - What You Need to Know (PDF 26KB)

• Why get vaccinated?

• Who should get DTaP vaccine and when?

• Some people should not get DTaP vaccine or should wait ldren and adults

• What are the risks from DTaP vaccine?

• What if there is a moderate or severe reaction?

 

Other Resources

• DTP Vaccine Information Statement (Exit Site)

• CDC Tetanus Page (Exit Site)

• Immunization Action Coalition Tetanus Page (Exit Site)

• National Network for Immunization Information Tetanus Page (Exit Site)