When to inject tetanus toxoid only or with ATS.

Tetanus toxoid and anti-tetanus serum (ATS) are both used for the prevention and treatment of tetanus,
a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system.

Tetanus toxoid is a vaccine that helps prevent tetanus by stimulating the body's immune system to
produce protective antibodies against the toxin produced by the tetanus bacteria. It is typically given as
part of a routine vaccination schedule, such as in childhood or as a booster for adults.

ATS, on the other hand, is a medication made from the blood of animals or humans that have been
immunized against tetanus. It contains pre-formed antibodies against the tetanus toxin and is used to
treat people who have already been infected with tetanus, as well as for people who have not been
vaccinated and have a high risk of developing tetanus, such as in cases of dirty wounds or puncture
wounds.

In general, tetanus toxoid is given for prevention, while ATS is given for treatment. Tetanus toxoid is
usually given alone as a vaccine, but in certain cases, such as when someone has a dirty wound, a
combination of tetanus toxoid and ATS may be given to both prevent and treat tetanus infection.

It's important to note that the decision to administer tetanus toxoid and ATS should be made by a
healthcare professional based on the individual's medical history, the severity of the wound, and other
factors.

What will be the decision is based on immunization status

The decision on whether to administer tetanus toxoid alone or with ATS may depend on the individual's
immunization status.

If an individual has been fully immunized against tetanus, meaning they have received all the
recommended doses of the tetanus toxoid vaccine, and their last dose was within the recommended
time frame, then tetanus toxoid alone may be sufficient to provide protection against tetanus.

However, if the individual has not been fully immunized, or if their immunization status is unknown, and
they have a high risk of developing tetanus due to a dirty wound or puncture wound, then a combination
of tetanus toxoid and ATS may be given as a precautionary measure.

In general, it is recommended that individuals receive a tetanus toxoid booster every 10 years to
maintain protection against tetanus. If an individual is unsure of their immunization status or has not
received a tetanus toxoid booster within the past 10 years, they should consult with their healthcare
provider to determine if a booster is needed.
What will be considered fully immunized against tetanus

In order to be considered fully immunized against tetanus, an individual should have received all the
recommended doses of the tetanus toxoid vaccine according to their age and risk category.

For children, the recommended schedule for tetanus toxoid vaccination in the United States includes:

 A series of 5 doses of the vaccine, with the first dose given at 2 months of age, the second and
third doses given at 4 months and 6 months of age, respectively, and the fourth and fifth doses
given at 15-18 months and 4-6 years of age, respectively.
 A booster dose of the vaccine is recommended at age 11-12 years.

For adults, the recommended schedule for tetanus toxoid vaccination in the United States includes:

 A series of 3 doses of the vaccine, with the first dose given as a child, the second dose given 4-8
weeks after the first dose, and the third dose given 6-12 months after the second dose.
 A booster dose of the vaccine is recommended every 10 years to maintain protection against
tetanus.

It's important to note that the recommended vaccination schedules may vary depending on the country
and the specific circumstances of the individual. Healthcare providers can provide guidance on the
appropriate vaccination schedule for each individual.