Tetanus is a serious disease caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium. If it enters a wound the bacterium releases a neurotoxin that is transported to the central nervous system, which can cause life-threatening respiratory depression. The soil contains large amounts of the bacterium, so if soil gets into a wound while gardening, for example, this can lead to infection. The disease can also be transmitted by an animal bite.
The disease can be effectively prevented by vaccination. Tetanus vaccinations are part of the National Immunisation Programme and children are vaccinated at the maternity and child health clinic and school. However, immunity against tetanus should also be boosted in adulthood. Booster injections should be given at the ages of 25, 45 and 65 and every ten years thereafter.
Tetanus does not spread from person to person. Therefore, vaccination of others does not lower your risk of infection, and vaccinations do not provide herd immunity. To be protected against the disease each individual must ensure they have had their vaccinations and ensure their vaccination coverage with booster shots.
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