Tetanus Vaccine

Question 1

tetanus vaccine is a what type of vaccine ?

Answer 1

Cell purified toxin

Question 2

Tetanus vaccine is currently given in the UK as part of the routine immunisation schedule at:

Answer 2

2 months
3 months
4 months
3-5 years
13-18 years

provides 5 doses of tetanus-containing vaccine

Question 3

What are tetanus prone wound

Answer 3

puncture-type injuries acquired in a contaminated environment e.g. gardening injuries

wounds containing foreign bodies

compound fractures

wounds or burns with systemic sepsis

certain animal bites and scratches

Question 4

If the patient has tetanus prone wound and Patient has had a full course of tetanus vaccines, with the last dose < 10 years ago

Answer 4

no vaccine nor tetanus immunoglobulin is required, regardless of the wound severity

Question 5

Patient has had a full course of tetanus vaccines, with the last dose > 10 years ago

Answer 5

if tetanus prone wound : reinforcing dose of vaccine

high-risk wounds (e.g. compound fractures, delayed surgical intervention, significant degree of devitalised tissue): reinforcing dose of vaccine + tetanus immunoglobulin

Question 6

If vaccination history is incomplete or unknown

Answer 6

reinforcing dose of vaccine, regardless of the wound severity
for tetanus prone and high-risk wounds: reinforcing dose of vaccine + tetanus immunoglobulin

Question 7

What are the high risk wounds

Answer 7

Compound fractured

heavy contamination with material likely to contain tetanus spores e.g. soil, manure

wounds or burns that show extensive devitalised tissue

wounds or burns that require surgical intervention