Tetanus Prevention - Tetanus Prone Wounds

Not immunised or immunisation status unknown or uncertain-Treatment required:

• An immediate dose of vaccine followed, if records confirm this is needed, by completion of a full 3 dose course of combined tetanus/diphtheria/inactivated polio vaccine to ensure future immunity - check for contraindications.

• Give one dose of human tetanus immunoglobulin in a different site:

  • For most uses give 250iu by IM injection.

  • If more than 24 hours have elapsed since injury or there is a risk of heavy contamination or following burns: 500iu by IM injection.

The Full Information Sheet "Tetanus Prevention" is available here.  

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Page last edited: 20/04/2007

Caution; the antibiotic doses recommended on this website are intended for adult patients with normal renal and liver function unless otherwise stated. Dosing advice for patients with renal impairment is available here.

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