Immunization - tetanus
Key points
- This immunization protects against tetanus (lockjaw), a disease caused by bacteria found in soil.
- See also diphtheria immunization (vaccine) and pertussis immunization (vaccine).
- Tetanus vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations and should begin during infancy.
- Nearly all people who receive a minimum of 3 injections of tetanus-containing vaccine will be protected against the disorder for at least 10 years.
Alternative names
Vaccine - tetanus; Tetanus - vaccine
Definition
This immunization protects against tetanus (lockjaw), a disease caused by bacteria found in soil. Tetanus is characterized by muscle stiffness and spasm or "locking" of muscles of the jaw, neck, and limbs. It is a potentially fatal disease.
Information
VACCINE INFORMATION
There are 4 forms of tetanus immunization. See also diphtheria immunization (vaccine) and pertussis immunization (vaccine).
The DTaP vaccine is a "3-in-1" vaccine that protects against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. It can be given to children less than 7 years old. It is injected, usually into the arm or the thigh. DTaP is a safer version of an older vaccine known as DTP, which is no longer used in the United States.
The DT vaccine is a "2-in-1" vaccine that can be given to children less than 7 years old. It does not contain pertussis vaccine, but does contain vaccine that protects against diphtheria and tetanus. It is injected, usually into the arm or thigh.
The Td vaccine is the "adult" vaccine. It is a "2-in-1" vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria. It contains a slightly different dose of diphtheria vaccine than the DT vaccine. It can be given to anyone older than 7 years old. It is injected, usually into the arm.
Tetanus vaccine (T vaccine) can be given as a single vaccine, but this is not generally available. It is also injected, usually into the arm.
Tetanus immune globulin is not actually a vaccine. It is a preparation that is made from serum (part of the blood) from a person or animal (such as a horse) that contains antibodies against tetanus.
It provides immediate, short-term protection against the disorder, but does not provide long-term immunization. It can be used when someone is believed to have been exposed to the bacteria - such as when a person steps on a rusty nail or gets cut outdoors in a situation where soil may have entered the wound.
IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE
Tetanus vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations and should begin during infancy. Tetanus immunization is generally required before starting school. Five doses of vaccine are recommended.
DTaP or DT immunization is usually a series of injections given to children at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 15 to 18 months. A booster is given before starting school (age 4 to 6).
DTaP is recommended, unless there is a reason that the child should not receive the pertussis vaccine (such as allergic reaction), in which case the DT should be given.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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