Toxins released by the clostridium tetani bacterium cause tetanus, or lockjaw. This bacterium is found in the environment and poses a risk to most people. A serious, acute disease, tetanus is fatal in one of every 10 cases according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. No cure exists for tetanus, so making an informed decision regarding inoculation may mean the difference between life and death. Speak to your doctor or healthcare professional if you feel you need a tetanus vaccination.
CDC Recommends Childhood Protection
The CDC recommends children receive one dose of the DTaP vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age. The vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. It contains full-strength doses of diphtheria and acellular pertussis toxoids and reduced doses of the tetanus toxoids. The penultimate vaccination in the series is administered between 15 and 18 months of age. The final recommended childhood tetanus shot should be administered between 4 and 6 years of age, per the CDC guidelines. A variation on the DTaP vaccine, referred to as the DT vaccine, exists for children unable to tolerate the tetanus shot with added pertussis protection. It contains full-strength diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and protects against those two diseases exclusively.
CDC Recommends Adult Booster
Adults need a tetanus booster shot every 10 years to be fully protected, according to the CDC. This vaccine is the Td variation, which is a vaccination protecting against both tetanus and diphtheria. Additionally, adolescents aged 11 or 12 should receive a single dose of the Tdap vaccine, protecting against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The CDC states that in lieu of a Td booster, adults aged 19 through 64 may choose to receive a Tdap vaccine.
Accidents
The bacteria that cause tetanus are found in soil and animal feces. If you receive a deep or dirty cut, seek medical attention. A tetanus shot may be required if your previous booster is more than five years out of date, as noted by MayoClinic.com.
Travel
If you're planning to take a vacation or business trip out of the country, a booster vaccination is advised. The prevalence of tetanus in the environment varies from place to place, and international travelers should secure up-to-date immunity.
Agriculture and Livestock
If you're moving to an agricultural area, starting a new job in the agricultural or livestock field, or you'll be among large numbers of animals on a regular basis, speak to your doctor about the need for a tetanus shot. Tetanus-causing bacteria are found in high concentrations in agricultural areas, as noted in "Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases," produced by the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease in conjunction with the CDC. The bacteria are also present in the intestines and feces of chickens, cattle, horses, sheep and common household pets.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tetanus (Lockjaw) Vaccination
- MayoClinic.com: Tetanus: Prevention
- "Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 11th Edition"; Tetanus; National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2009
