Prevention of Tetanus

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Tetanus can be easily prevented by vaccination. England has a national vaccination programme for tetanus which has greatly reduced the number of cases each year.

Immunisation is achieved by injecting a small amount of tetanus toxoid (a form of the tetanospasmin poison which has been made harmless) into the body. This is usually given in infancy in a triple vaccine (Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough) in three doses at monthly intervals. This gives total protection for one year and a high degree of partial protection remains for many years.

The first three doses are often followed up by two booster doses: one on starting school and the other on leaving school. Combined tetanus / low-dose diphtheria vaccine is now used rather than tetanus alone for these boosters.

The full five doses are considered to give lifelong immunity. Booster doses should also be given in the following circumstances:Â·

Following a wound which may give rise to tetanus where the person has not had the full five doses or where this information is not known. However, if the wound is contaminated, a dose of tetanus antibodies (known as human tetanus immunoglobulin) should be given.Â·
For travellers to areas where medical attention might not be available should an injury occur that might give rise to tetanus and the last dose was more than 10 years previously.

Experiencing tetanus does not itself produce immunity to a second infection. People who have had tetanus should still be immunised when they have recovered.