Tetanus (Lockjaw)
Information about tetanus immunisation funded under the Immunise Australia Program.
Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacteria can spread from the environment to open wounds where they can enter the blood stream. Tetanus is an often fatal disease caused by a toxin made by bacteria present in soil and manure. You do not catch tetanus from other people. Tetanus attacks the nervous system, causing severe muscle spasms, felt in the neck and jaw muscles (lock jaw). The effects spread, causing breathing difficulties, painful convulsions and abnormal heart rhythms.
Toxins (poisonous substances) produced by the bacteria affect the nervous system. Symptoms usually take between 1 and 21 days after infection to show. These symptoms can include:
- muscle spasms;
- trismus (lockjaw);
- difficulty talking;
- difficulty breathing; and
- stiffness and/or pain in the shoulders, back and neck.
Tetanus is a vaccine preventable disease. Tetanus vaccination is recommended as part of routine childhood immunisation. It is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program. To receive tetanus immunisation, visit your local doctor or immunisation provider. It is important to note that the vaccine is provided at no cost, however a consultation fee may apply.
Doses of vaccine are given at 2, 4 and 6 months of age, with booster doses at 4 years and 15-17 years. Immunisation against tetanus is achieved using combination vaccines. For information about immunisation in your area contact your State or Territory Health Department. For technical information or information about vaccines, refer to the tetanus section of the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
Page last modified: 18 May, 2011