Tetanus prophylaxis in injuries

Anyone with an open wound that has been in contact with soil is at risk of infection by the bacterium that causes tetanus. An infection of this kind can have serious after-effects if the individual has never been immunised against tetanus or if it has been too long since their last immunisation. However, these after-effects can be countered using tetanus immunoglobulin, an antibody preparation made from human blood. This advisory report addresses the issue of whether tetanus immunoglobulin should be routinely administered in the course of wound treatment, and whether immunisation (or re-immunisation) is required. The advisory report will be presented to the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport.