What is tetanus?
Tetanus is a painful, often fatal disease. Bacteria found in the soil or manure release a toxin and cause painful muscle spasms and lockjaw. The effects spread causing convulsions, breathing difficulties and abnormal hear rhythms.
How do people get tetanus?
Bacteria from the soil or manure enter the body through open cuts and burns. The wound may be as small or as insignificant as a pinprick. Tetanus is not contagious (not spread from person to person). People get it from the environment and not other people.
What are the symptoms of tetanus?
Generalised symptoms occur in 80 % of cases. The first symptom is severe muscle spasm felt in the neck and jaw muscles (Lockjaw) This may be followed by painful muscle spasms in the back, abdomen and limbs. Fractures can be caused by the violent contractions. Difficulty in Breathing and swallowing can develop. A spasm of part of the voice box can cause immediate death. The disease remains severe for 1 to 4 weeks, and then gradually subsides. Death may occur in 10%- 25% of cases.
How serious is tetanus?
Tetanus is a very serious disease. Of the people who get tetanus 1 in 10 will die. The risk is greatest for the very young or aged over 60. Although tetanus is now rare in Ireland due to routine immunisation programmes, the bacteria that cause the disease are still present in the soil. They cannot be eradicated from our environment. The only way to protect your self from tetanus is by immunisation.
Is tetanus vaccine safe?
Yes. Tetanus vaccine is safe. Of the people who are immunised 1 in 10 have redness and swelling where the injection was given or have fever. Serious side effects are very rare.
How can tetanus be prevented?
Tetanus can be prevented with a vaccine
Tetanus vaccine in children
Tetanus vaccine is given as part of the routine childhood immunisation programme, together with diphtheria, whooping cough (pertussis), HiB, and inactivated polio (IPV), hepatitis b vaccines (referred to as the “6-in-1” vaccine). Vaccination is given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
Booster vaccine doses are given at 4-5 years of age (as part of the 4 in 1 vaccine) and again between 11-14 years of age (as part of the Td vaccine). If your child requires vaccination, or you are unsure of your child’s vaccination status, contact your GP for advice.
Tetanus vaccination in older children and adults
Adults or children older than 10 years of age who have not been immunised, or only partially immunised, should receive tetanus vaccination according to the recommended schedule, using a vaccine called “Td” (combined tetanus/low dose diphtheria vaccine) - which is appropriate for this age group. For people unsure of their vaccination status they should seek advice from their GP.
Tetanus vaccination after an injury
Individuals who have wound injuries are medically assessed to determine what treatment is needed to prevent tetanus. The treatment recommended by the doctor will depend on history of tetanus vaccination, type of wound and whether it is considered to be a ‘tetanus prone wound’ (such as wounds contaminated with dirt, faeces, soil and saliva)
How does tetanus vaccine work?
The vaccine is made of inactivated toxins from the bacteria , this is called a toxoid preparation. Vaccination stimulates the body to produce serum anti-toxin.A total of five doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine at the appropriate intervals are considered to give lifelong immunity. Recovery from tetanus may not result in immunity, and vaccination following tetanus is indicated.
Where can I find out more?
You can ask for further information regarding immunisation from your G.P., Public Health Nurse or local health office.
Health Protection Surveillance Centre website (Available at http://www.ndsc.ie A review of tetanus epidemiology in Ireland can also be found at “Tetanus notifications in Ireland 1988-2004” (Epi-Insight Oct 2004)
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