Tetanus (lockjaw)
State and Territory information:
Caused by the bacteria Clostridium tetani, tetanus takes about 1 to 21 days after infection for symptoms to show.
The bacteria are spread from the environment to open wounds where they can enter the blood stream.
Toxins (poisonous substances) produced by the bacteria affect the nervous system, causing symptoms such as:
- muscle spasms;
- trismus (lockjaw);
- difficulty talking;
- difficulty breathing; and
- stiffness and/or pain in the shoulders, back and neck.
Vaccination recommended for routine childhood immunisation is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program.
Adults should contact their doctor or State or Territory health service for information about booster doses.
For technical information refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
Page last modified: 08 April, 2008