Tetanus

Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is a bacterial disease that affects the nervous system. It is contracted through a wound that becomes contaminated with tetanus bacteria. The bacteria can get in through even a tiny pinprick or scratch, but deep puncture wounds or cuts like those made by nails or knives are especially susceptible to infection with tetanus. Tetanus bacteria are present worldwide and are commonly found in soil, dust and manure. Infection with tetanus can cause severe muscle spasms and "locking" of the jaw so the patient cannot open his/her mouth or swallow. Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person.

The DTaP, Td, and Tdap vaccines all protect against tetanus. Children need four doses of DTaP by 15 months and a Tdap booster at age 11 or 12. Adults need a booster every 10 years after the primary series has been completed. For adults, age 18–64 years old, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine is recommended.

Facts

• Tetanus (Lockjaw)
  Facts, news, prevention, pictures, and more.

Information For Health Professionals

• Check Your Vials: Is It Tdap, DTaP, or Td? (PDF, New Window)
  A one page color poster with information used to correctly identify vaccine vials.
• Tetanus Wound Management Flyer (PDF, New Window)
  A one page color poster with information on when to give the vaccine and for which age groups.
  
• If You Work in a Health Setting ... It's Time for Your Tetanus Booster! (PDF, New Window)
  A one page color poster encouraging health care workers to get their tetanus booster shots.

Data and Surveillance

• Vaccine-Preventable Disease Reports
  Surveillance data from the Immunization Branch.

Vaccine

• DTaP Vaccine Information Statement
  Facts about the DTaP vaccine.
• Tdap Vaccine Information Statement
  Facts about the Tdap vaccine.
• Tetanus and Diptheria Vaccine Information Statement.
  Facts about the TD vaccine.

Resources

• Tetanus, Pink Book (CDC, New Window)
  Pathogenesis, wound management, clinical features, and more.
• Vaccine and Preventable Diseases (CDC)
  Disease and vaccine information.
• California Department of Public Health, Immunization Branch
  CDC's Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, 4th Edition, 2008

Prevention and Control

• Supplemental Injecting Drug Use Questionnaire for Tetanus Cases (PDF, New Window)
  Twenty questions to ask patients.