DISASTER INFORMATION
Tetanus Prevention After a Disaster
In most settings, a disaster does not increase the risk for tetanus. However, the risk of tetanus among disaster survivors and emergency responders can best be minimized by following standard immunization recommendations and providing proper wound care.
Key points to remember
Patients without a clear history of at least three tetanus vaccinations who have any wound other than clean and minor NEED tetanus immune globulin (TIG) not just a tetanus toxoid containing vaccine.
Tetanus in the United States is most commonly reported in older persons who are less likely to be adequately vaccinated than younger persons. From 2001-2008. 49% of 233 cases reported were among persons ≥50 years of age and 31% were among persons ≥65 years of age.
Older women are especially susceptible; a majority of those >55 years of age do not have protective levels of tetanus antibody.
Diabetics are at increased risk. Reported tetanus is about 3 times more common in diabetics and fatalities are about 4 times more common.
Non-acute wounds (e.g., chronic ulcers, gangrene, abscesses/cellulitis) account for about 1 in 6 cases of reported tetanus; 1 in 12 reported cases had no reported injury or lesion.
Tetanus Vaccines and TIG for Wound Management
| Age (years) |
Vaccination history | Clean, minor wounds | All other wounds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 through 6 | Unknown or not up-to-date on DTaP series based on age | DTaP | DTaP TIG |
| Up-to-date on DTaP series based on age | No indication | No indication | |
| 7 through 10 | Unknown or incomplete DTaP series | Tdap and recommend catch-up vaccination | Tdap and recommend catch-up vaccination TIG |
| Completed DTaP series AND <5 years since last dose | No indication | No indication | |
| Completed DTaP series AND ≥5 years since last dose | No indication | Td, but Tdap preferred if child is 10 years of age | |
11 through 64 (*if pregnant, see footnote) |
Unknown or <3 doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine | Tdap and recommend catch-up vaccination | Tdap and recommend catch-up vaccination TIG |
| 3 or more doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine AND <5 years since last dose | No indication | No indication | |
| 3 or more doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine AND 5-10 years since last dose | No indication | Tdap preferred (if not yet received) or Td | |
| 3 or more doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine AND >10 years since last dose | Tdap preferred (if not yet received) or Td | Tdap preferred (if not yet received) or Td | |
| 65 and older | Unknown or <3 doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine | Td or Tdap and recommend catch-up vaccination. Tdap preferred if patient has close contact with children younger than 12 months of age. | Td or Tdap and recommend catch-up vaccination. Tdap preferred if patient has close contact with children younger than 12 months of age. TIG |
| 3 or more doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine AND <5 years since last dose | No indication | No indication | |
| 3 or more doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine AND 5-10 years since last dose | No indication | Td or Tdap. Tdap preferred if patient has close contact with children younger than 12 months of age. | |
| 3 or more doses of tetanus toxoid containing vaccine AND >10 years since last dose | Tdap preferred (if not yet received) or Td | Td or Tdap. Tdap preferred if patient has close contact with children younger than 12 months of age. | |
Routine vaccination
Primary series of diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP) in infancy and childhood. (Recommended schedule is 2, 4, 6 months, 15 through 18 months, and 4 through 6 years. See http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm.
Booster shot of tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis (Tdap) – single dose – in adolescents aged 11 through 18 years who have completed the recommended childhood DTaP vaccination series and adults aged 19 through 64 years. Adolescents should preferably receive Tdap at 11 or 12 years of age. Adults age 65 years and older who have not previously received a dose of Tdap and who have or anticipate having close contact with children younger than age 12 months, should receive a one-time dose. Tdap can be administered regardless of interval since the previous Td dose. After receipt of Tdap, then a booster shot of tetanus, diphtheria (Td) every 10 years. See http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/pertussis/recs-summary.htm.
For complete Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations, see http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/ACIP-list.htm#vacc.
*Pregnant Women: As part of standard wound management care to prevent tetanus, a tetanus toxoid--containing vaccine might be recommended for wound management in a pregnant woman if 5 years or more have elapsed since last receiving Td. If a tetanus booster is indicated for a pregnant woman who previously has not received Tdap, Tdap should be administered (at any gestational age).
- Page last updated March 6, 2012
- Content source: National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Center for Injury and Violence Prevention and Control (NCIPC)
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