Who is at highest risk for getting Tetanus?
Individuals most at risk for developing tetanus include:1 2 3
- Those injured with an item that may be contaminated with tetanus
- Persons who undergo medical treatments in unsanitary conditions
- Anyone who inject themselves with drugs, including diabetics
- Intravenous (IV) drug users
- Persons who are immunocompromised
- Heroin users, as the growth of tetanus may be supported by the use of quinine, often used to dilute heroin.
Persons who sustain superficial wounds may also be at a high risk for developing tetanus if the wound is not properly cared for.4
IMPORTANT NOTE: NVIC encourages you to become fully informed about Tetanus and the Tetanus vaccine by reading all sections in the Table of Contents , which contain many links and resources such as the manufacturer product information inserts, and to speak with one or more trusted health care professionals before making a vaccination decision for yourself or your child. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.
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References
1 CDC Traveler’s Health – Tetanus – Who is at Risk? Mar. 9, 2013
2 CDC Tetanus – Secular Trends in the United States Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (The Pink Book). 13th ed. 2015.
3 CDC Tetanus For Clinicians – Risk Groups Feb. 28, 2019
4 CDC Tetanus – Epidemiology Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (The Pink Book). 13th ed. 2015.