FOR HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS
Tetanus
Why you should vaccinate adults against tetanus
- The bacteria that cause tetanus are ubiquitous in soil; any lapse in immunity can create an opportunity for infection.
- Approximately 10 to 20 percent of reported cases of tetanus are fatal.
- In the U.S., where 50 or fewer cases of tetanus occur each year, deaths are more likely to occur in persons 60 years of age and older and in persons who are diabetic.
- For adults, a tetanus booster every 10 years ensures protection against tetanus; the new Tdap booster provides protection not only against tetanus, but also against diphtheria and pertussis, which has been on the rise in this country.
