Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:
Tetanus Disease In-Short (Lockjaw)
Description
A disease of the nervous system caused by bacteria
Symptoms
Early symptoms: lockjaw, stiffness in the neck and abdomen, and difficulty swallowing
Later symptoms: severe muscle spasms, generalized tonic seizure-like activity, severe autonomic nervous system disorders
Complications
Death in about 10-20% of cases, higher among older people
Transmission
Enters the body through a break in the skin
Vaccine
Tetanus toxoid (contained in Tdap, DTP, DT, DTaP, and Td vaccines) can prevent this disease.
Who Needs to be Vaccinated?
Does my infant need this vaccine?
Yes, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends 5 doses of diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine for infants and children. One dose of DTaP vaccine is recommended at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, 4-6 years old. DTaP vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.
See also: childhood immunization schedule
See also: Who should not be vaccinated?
See also: Td Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
See also: DTaP Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
As an adult, do I need this vaccine?
Everyone needs protection from tetanus. If you have not had a booster shot in 10 years or more, you should receive a tetanus shot. If you never had the initial childhood tetanus vaccines, you should receive a series of three tetanus shots.
See also: adult immunization schedule
See also: Healthcare Personnel Vaccination Recommendations 
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Content last reviewed on January 16, 2007
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases