tetanus question

[mizzrazmatazz]

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This may be a really dumb question, but something I have come across on UW twice already- when do you give tetanus toxoid vs. tetanus immunoglobulin? and the combined tetanus/diphteria (Td) vaccine that adults get every 10 yrs contains the toxoid right?

 

[RockfordWF]

This may be a really dumb question, but something I have come across on UW twice already- when do you give tetanus toxoid vs. tetanus immunoglobulin? and the combined tetanus/diphteria (Td) vaccine that adults get every 10 yrs contains the toxoid right?

Tetanus toxoid is the vaccine. Everyone gets this.

Tetanus immunoglobin is only given for post-exporsure.

 

[arthrodisiac]

tetanus immunoglobulin is only given if you've had less than 3 vials in the past AND the wound is dirty. it is not for post exposure if you've had greater than 3 vials, even if the wound is dirty.

 

[RockfordWF]

According to the package insert for TETAGAM IM 250 IU solution for intramuscular injection,

The only reason you don't give Tetanus immunoglobulin in a dirty wound is if your last booster was within the past 10 years.

http://home.intekom.com/pharm/nbi/tetgam.html

It is also used in all patients actually infected with Tetanus.