Our immunisation clinic in Gold Coast is open to help ensure the health and safety of our community, particularly against tetanus and the serious complications it can cause.
What Is Tetanus?
Tetanus is an acute infectious disease caused by Clostridium tetani, a bacterium found in the environment, rusty tools like nails and barbed wires, and faeces of animals and humans. The tetanus bacteria is resistant to heat and most disinfectants, allowing them to survive for many years.
Anyone can be infected through an open wound, such as:
- any unclean wound
- a bite from an animal or human
- A very deep wound
- A wound that contains a foreign body (e.g., splinter)
- A compound fracture
Tetanus affects the nervous system and causes contractions, particularly in the jaw and neck muscles, which is why it is also called a lockjaw. Then, it progresses downward on the body. The most common symptoms of tetanus include:
- Painful, seizure-like spasms that last for several minutes
- Muscle rigidity in the neck and abdomen that may cause breathing difficulties
- High blood and/or low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Fever
- Extreme sweating
In severe cases, tetanus causes potentially lethal complications, including suffocation, respiratory failure, pneumonia, or heart attack.
Why Is the Tetanus Vaccine Important in Australia?
Anyone can get tetanus. However, it is particularly common in babies (neonatal tetanus) and pregnant women (maternal tetanus) who have not received their tetanus vaccinations. Neonatal tetanus can occur when nonsterile or contaminated materials are used during delivery, or the baby is exposed to contaminated surfaces.1
Although cases of tetanus in Australia have significantly decreased over the years, getting up-to-date vaccination remains crucial.2 While it can’t be transmitted from person to person, the bacteria that cause tetanus can be found around us in the environment, making anyone susceptible to the disease. Wounds like compound fractures, burns, animal bites, as well as cuts and abrasions, especially ones exposed to soil or contaminated objects, are more likely to encourage the growth of the bacteria.
Vaccination is the best prevention for tetanus, providing effective protection and reducing the risk of infection.
Benefits of Tetanus Vaccination:
The tetanus toxoid vaccine triggers the body to generate antibodies that neutralise the toxin. These antibodies help defend the body against the infection, preventing the development of the toxin’s harmful effects on the nerves and muscles.
The tetanus vaccine provides long-lasting immunity for people who have been immunised, with about 10 years of protection against the infection. In Australia, a tetanus booster shot is recommended every 10 years to maintain immunity, ensuring continued protection against tetanus throughout one’s life.
Getting Vaccinated at Coolangatta Medical Centre:
Coolangatta Medical Centre offers accessible tetanus vaccination for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Our service includes personalised vaccination plans tailored to your needs and risk factors. Our team can also provide follow-up care to monitor your response and schedule any necessary booster doses.
Our team of doctors at Coolangatta Medical Centre offer all necessary vaccinations, including influenza, typhoid fever, cholera, and COVID-19, as well as other travel vaccinations. Schedule your vaccinations at Coolangatta Medical Centre and take the first step to safeguarding your health.
