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FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Tetanus
Why 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 US, 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.
- Because of the rise in US pertussis cases, some people should not wait 10 years to get their Tdap booster.
- Pregnant women especially need Tdap vaccine because of the protection it provides against whooping cough. They should get it late in the second trimester or in the third trimester.
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