Topic: Tetanus and immunisation
Description
Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are common in the environment and are found in soil, dust and manure. The bacteria can contaminate wounds, where they produce a toxin which causes symptoms of painful muscular contractions and spasms.
Unvaccinated people are at risk of developing tetanus if a wound or cut is contaminated by the bacteria. About 3% of people who develop tetanus in Australia will die as a result of the disease.
Due to the availability of a very effective tetanus vaccine and widespread immunisation, tetanus is now a rare disease.
Practical Advice
Immunisation
Immunisation is the best way to protect against tetanus. This is recommended as part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule and the vaccine is available free for:
- children with doses at 2, 4 and 6 months of age and 4 years of age
- Year 10 students (booster).
The tetanus vaccine for children is given as one injection combined with other childhood vaccines. It can be given at the same time as other immunisations recommended at this age.
Immunisation to protect against tetanus is also recommended, but not funded, for:
- all adults aged 50 years and over who have not received a booster dose in the previous 10 years
- adults with a tetanus prone wound should receive a booster dose of diphtheria tetanus (dT) vaccine if more than five years have elapsed since the last dose
- adults born in countries without adequate immunisation programs
- travellers to countries where health services are difficult to access should be protected before departure.
Any wound should be cleaned thoroughly with soap and water. If a person gets a tetanus-prone wound and is not fully vaccinated or has not had a tetanus booster dose in the previous five years, medical attention should be sought immediately.
In Queensland, Year 10 students are offered a booster (combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (dTpa)) through their school as part of the School Based Vaccination Program. See the School Based Vaccination Program website for more information.
It is important that all recommended doses of the vaccine are received at the recommended times, if it is to be fully effective.
The vaccine
The tetanus vaccine is available for adolescent/adults as a combined vaccine, either as diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) or diphtheria-tetanus vaccine.
Possible side effects of the vaccine
Like all medications, vaccines may have side effects. Most side effects are minor, last a short time and do not lead to any long-term problems.
Possible side effects of the tetanus vaccine may include fever, redness and soreness where the injection was given, nausea, headache, tiredness and aching muscles. More serious side effects are extremely rare and can include severe allergic reactions.
Contact your immunisation provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination which you consider serious or unexpected.
Pre-vaccination checklist
This checklist helps your doctor/nurse decide about vaccinating you or your child.
Please tell your doctor/nurse if the person about to be vaccinated:
- is unwell today
- has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS) or is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy)
- has had a severe reaction following any vaccine
- has any severe allergies (to anything)
- has had any vaccine in the past month
- has had an injection of immunoglobulin, or received any blood products or a whole blood transfusion within the past year
- is pregnant
- has a past history of Guillain-Barr syndrome
- was a preterm infant
- has a chronic illness
- has a bleeding disorder.
A different vaccine schedule may be recommended if the person to be vaccinated:
- identifies as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
- does not have a functioning spleen
- is planning a pregnancy or anticipating parenthood
- is a parent, grandparent or carer of a newborn
- lives with someone who has a disease which lowers immunity (eg. leukaemia, cancer, HIV/AIDS), or lives with someone who is having treatment which lowers immunity (eg. oral steroid medicines such as cortisone and prednisone, radiotherapy, chemotherapy).
Care after vaccination
- For redness or swelling at the injection site, apply a cold compress.
- To lower temperature or relieve discomfort, paracetamol may be given.
- If fever persists, consult your doctor.
- If any reaction occurs that you consider serious or unexpected, seek medical advice.
- Contact the service provider if you or your child has a reaction following vaccination.
Where can I be immunised?
You can be immunised at your local doctor or medical centre. Some councils, community child health and community health centres hold free immunisation clinics. Check with them for details.
Other Resources
For further information please contact:
- your doctor
- your nearest population health unit
- 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- Immunise Australia National Infoline: 1800 671 811.
Immunise Australia
A website about childhood immunisation produced by the Australian Department of Health and Ageing.
Commonwealth Department of Health and Ageing
Information about communicable diseases including vaccine preventable diseases.
Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR)
A website about the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register (ACIR), produced by Medicare Australia.
Heymann, D., ed. 2004. Control of Communicable Diseases Manual, 18th edition. Washington, DC: American Public Health Association.
Related Content
School Based Vaccination Program website
National Health and Medical Research Council, 2008. The Australian Immunisation Handbook (9th Ed).
Last updated: 21st April, 2009
Review Date: 25th March, 2010
