Methods of tetanus prevention in primary care clinic

Tetanus is a highly fatal disease principally affecting non-immunized or under immunized persons. Aggressive childhood vaccination with tetanus toxoid and widespread use of tetanus toxoid boosters combined with improved wound management have resulted in a decease in tetanus reported. The disease is largely preventable but not completely so. Experience worldwide affirms that the most cost effective pattern for preventing tetanus. In any community is primary health education with antenatal and infant immumization followed by booster doses given in childhood combined with improved wound management. Patients presenting for wound management should be questioned by health care providers concerning the date of their last tetanus containing vaccine or booster to avoid unnecessary repeat vaccination