Tetanusrokotus

Tetanus vaccination, or tetanusrokotus, is a medical intervention designed to prevent tetanus, a potentially life‑threatening infection caused by the toxin of Clostridium tetani. The vaccine is a toxoid, meaning it uses an inactivated toxin to stimulate the body's immune response without causing disease. Tetanus vaccines are commonly given in combination with diphtheria and pertussis vaccines (DTaP for children and Tdap for older children and adults) or as tetanus-diphtheria (Td) or tetanus-only (TT) formulations when needed.

Immunization schedules vary by country but typically include a primary series in childhood and periodic boosters. The usual regimen is five doses of DTaP at 2, 4, 6, 15–18 months and 4–6 years, followed by a single Tdap dose at 11–12 years. Adults receive Td or Tdap boosters every 10 years. During pregnancy, most guidelines recommend a Tdap dose during each pregnancy (often between weeks 27 and 36) to protect the newborn from pertussis and, indirectly, tetanus. TT may be used in places or situations where diphtheria or pertussis components are contraindicated.

Administration is by intramuscular injection. Common side effects are mild and include pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, and occasionally fever or irritability. Severe allergic reactions are rare. Contraindications include a history of severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or to any component of the vaccine; moderate or severe acute illness may delay vaccination.

In wound management, tetanus prophylaxis may involve a vaccine booster and, in certain cases, tetanus immunoglobulin, depending on vaccination history and wound severity. Vaccination remains a core element of public health efforts to prevent tetanus worldwide.