Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nerves in the body leading to muscle rigidity and painful muscle spasms.
Tetanus bacteria live in the environment and can be found in soil, dust and manure. People can become infected with the bacteria if it enters their bloodstream through an open wound. If a child gets tetanus, it will cause severe and painful muscle spasms, especially in the neck and jaw, often called lockjaw.
With progression, this may affect the respiratory muscles which help us breathe, so ventilation in an intensive care setting may be required. There are many other complications which can occur, and in severe cases, tetanus can be fatal.
Around one in 10 people who get tetanus will die. Babies and older people are at the greatest risk. Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from the disease.
Tetanus vaccines available in Australia for children are combination vaccines that also protect against diptheria and whooping cough, and in some cases, polio and hepatitis B. This means your child will be protected against more diseases with fewer injections, which is less pain and stress for your child.
Under the National Immunisation Program, children should receive the free vaccine at six weeks, four months, six months, 18 months, four years, and between 12 and 13 years for the best possible protection.
The vaccine provides immunity to tetanus to help prevent your child from getting the disease. It contains an inactive and safe form of tetanus and trains your child's immune system to recognise and protect against the infection.
Vaccination reduces their chance of getting tetanus, and if they do get it, they have less risk of serious illness and hospitalisation.
Your child may experience mild reactions to the vaccine, which usually disappear within a few days. Common reactions include redness, swelling, and soreness at the injection site, headache, a mild fever and tiredness.
Tetanus is now very rare in Australia, given our high vaccination rates. Always speak with your health professional if you have any questions about childhood vaccinations.
For more information, visit Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation at skai.org.au/Childhood.
In this video, Dr Linny Phuong shares how you can protect your child from tetanus with free vaccines available under the National Immunisation Program.