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Tetanus (Lockjaw)

Tetanus (lockjaw) is spread by germs that enter the body through a deep cut or puncture wound. It can cause muscle spasms, breathing problems, and death. It is not spread person to person. Tetanus leads to death in about 1 in 10 cases. Since tetanus lives in soil and manure and cannot be removed from the environment, the vaccine will always be needed.

Scientific Term:

Tetanus

Generic Term:

  • Tetanus
  • Lockjaw

Age Groups at Risk:

All

Fact Sheets:

Vaccine Info:

  • Ages 0-7:  DTaPor DT

  • Children should be immunized with a four-shot series of the combination vaccine, DTaP, which includes diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, in the first 18 months of life. Children who receive all four doses before their fourth birthday should receive a fifth dose before entering kindergarten or elementary school. The fifth dose is not necessary if the fourth dose was given on or after the fourth birthday. This combination vaccine is not given to individuals over age seven. DT is available for children under seven years who cannot tolerate the pertussis (whooping cough) component.

  • Ages 10 and Up: Tdap or Td

  • One dose of Tdap is recommended for adolescents aged 11 or 12 years in place of one Td booster.  Children in Grades 6 or 7, who are at least 11 years old, are required to show proof of Tdap vaccination if it has been 5 years since they received a tetanus-containing vaccine (DTaP, DT, or Td). One dose of Tdap is also recommended for older adolescents aged 13-18 years and adults aged 19 through 64 years.

  • Vaccine Information Statements:

Related Information:

 

 Last Update: 07/01/2008 10:12 AM