Immunisations: tetanus

A toxin released from bacteria called Clostridium tetani causes tetanus. Spores from these bacteria are present in soil and manure. The spores can be picked up quite easily through minor scratches, puncture wounds, burns or more serious injury. An effective vaccine against the disease was introduced, nationally  in 1961 and a fall in the incidence of tetanus followed,(see Health Scotland for specific vaccines and immunisation timetable).

At a Scotland level, current quarterly uptakes (for period ending June 2006), at 12 and 24 months for Tetanus stand at 96.5% and 97.7% respectively.

Direct links to the relevant tables and charts, on the Child Health section of the ISD website, are provided below:

• Childhood immunisation uptake rates for Tetanus: up to 31st December 2006 for Scotland and by Health Board
• Childhood immunisation quarterly uptake rates and uptake rates by calendar year (January to December 2006) byCommunity Health Partnership
• Time trends for Scotland and NHS Board

Information on the incidence of Tetanus is available from the HPS website.