The researchers reviewed WHO data from 31 North American and European countries between and , amounting to 11 billion person-years. Person-years is a measurement that reflects the number of people in the study multiplied by years followed.
After comparing the incidence of tetanus and diphtheria, they found no significant difference in disease rates in countries that require adults to receive booster shots compared with those that do not. Based on this, the authors suggest that childhood vaccination alone protects sufficiently against tetanus and diphtheria without booster shots. The question of whether to have ongoing booster vaccines is more complicated than looking at frequency of a disease.
The conclusions of this study focus on the lack of change in tetanus or diphtheria incidence rates among countries that routinely vaccinate children. However, other factors influence the number of cases, such as the overall amount of the bacteria in the environment, or wound management and hygiene measures. Immunity from antibodies to tetanus and diphtheria may persist for many years. Over time, though, antibody levels decrease. We know that even if antibodies are present, low levels may not always be protective.
Even though this study was well executed and raises some important questions, further studies are needed to examine whether a childhood vaccination series offers lifelong protection without repeated adult boosters. Even though it happens rarely, people can still get tetanus and experience serious or deadly effects.
There is no cure for tetanus, and no definitive proof that you will have lifelong immunity with childhood vaccinations alone. So for now, the CDC continues to recommend booster vaccines every 10 years to help your immune system protect against these infections. If you have questions about the tetanus and diphtheria vaccine, talk to your doctor. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
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Tetanus Vaccination. Minus Related Pages. Four kinds of vaccines used today protect against tetanus, all of which also protect against other diseases: Diphtheria and tetanus DT vaccines Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis DTaP vaccines Tetanus and diphtheria Td vaccines Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis Tdap vaccines Babies and children younger than 7 years old receive DTaP or DT, while older children and adults receive Tdap and Td.
The bacteria that can cause tetanus can enter your body through a wound or cut in your skin. They're often found in soil and manure. You may need additional treatment for a serious or dirty wound that's considered to be tetanus-prone. Tetanus vaccination is given as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme against tetanus. But if you're not sure how many doses you have received, you may need a booster dose after an injury that breaks your skin.
If you have definitely received 5 doses of the tetanus vaccine, you're fully vaccinated and don't need a booster dose. If you have a tetanus-prone wound, additional treatment may be given, even if you have been fully vaccinated.
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