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Tetanus Vaccine Shortage
by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
You may have heard that there is a temporary shortage of tetanus toxoid (TT) and the combined tetanus and diphtheria toxoid (Td) vaccines. However, there are sufficient supplies of DTaP vaccine (a combination shot that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) for most routine childhood immunization doses.
For the latest information, you can check with your healthcare provider. But in the meantime, here are some frequently asked questions about this shortage, provided by the National Immunization Program (NIP) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- Why is there a shortage of tetanus vaccine?
During 2000, one of the pharmaceutical companies that manufactured tetanus vaccine stopped producing it. This left only one company to produce tetanus vaccine for the entire country. This company increased production to accommodate all of the needs of the United States. However, it requires about 11 months for the vaccine to be ready for release.
- When will the problem be solved?
The shortage should end in early 2002.
- What if I, or my child, steps on a nail or has a cut that requires tetanus vaccine?
Most children who have received their routine vaccinations will be protected by DTaP.
Also, the manufacturer is ensuring that adequate vaccine will still be available for adolescents and adults who need it most. This includes people with injuries and puncture wounds.
- Are there other reasons that my family or I might need tetanus vaccine?
Other people who should get the vaccine include:
- people traveling to a country where the risk for diphtheria is high (tetanus and diphtheria vaccines usually are given together);
- people who have not received at least three doses of tetanus vaccine in the past;
- pregnant women who have not gotten tetanus vaccine within the past 10 years.
- I am due for my 10-year tetanus booster shot this year. What should I do?
Routine tetanus boosters should be delayed until the shortage has ended. Remember to talk with your healthcare provider afterward about getting a booster.
- Will everyone who needs tetanus vaccine (for instance, people in rural areas) be able to get it?
Any hospital, medical office, or clinic can order Td based on projected priority needs. It is unlikely that anyone needing vaccine will not be able to get it within 24 hours.
- What if I can't remember ever having a tetanus shot?
It is important that everyone have at least three doses of tetanus vaccine some time in their life to protect them from the worst forms of tetanus. If you cannot remember ever having a tetanus shot, you may wish to check with your healthcare provider to see if you need tetanus vaccine.
- What should I do if my child's school insists that my child have a tetanus booster shot?
The public health department in your community will be able to help answer questions that your school has about the temporary shortage of tetanus vaccine. It will be important for you to take your child for the tetanus booster next year when there is no longer a shortage.
For more information
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Created August 09, 2001
Reviewed August 14, 2001
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