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
one 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:
Age Groups at Risk:
All
Fact Sheets:
Vaccine Info:
- Ages 0-7: DTaPor
DT
Children should be immunized in the first 18 months of life with a four-shot series of the combination
vaccine, DTaP, which includes diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. 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 years.
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 five years since they received a
tetanus-containing vaccine (DTaP, DT, or Td). One dose of Tdap is also
recommended for older adolescents and adults aged 13 through 64
years.
Vaccine Information Statements:
There is no separate Vaccine Information Statement for
combination vaccines.
Related Information:
Last Update:
05/21/2009 06:18 PM
