Y58: Bacterial vaccines

Y58.4: Tetanus vaccine

The tetanus vaccine is a medical product used to prevent tetanus, a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium produces a powerful toxin that affects the nerves and leads to severe muscle stiffness and spasms, which can impede breathing. The spores of C. tetani are present in soil and dust, and can enter the body through open wounds. The tetanus vaccine, often given as part of a combination vaccine in childhood and boosters throughout life, helps the body build immunity against this toxin. Side effects from the vaccine may include mild fever and pain at the injection site, though these are typically short-lived and far less severe than the disease itself.