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. 1975 Aug 23;3(5981):453–455. doi: 10.1136/bmj.3.5981.453

Prevention of tetanus in the wounded.

J W Smith, D R Laurence, D G Evans
PMCID: PMC1674303  PMID: 1156818

Abstract

Recommendations for the prevention of tetanus in the wounded have been revised to incorporate the use of human tetanus immunoglobulin, which is now available in the United Kingdom. Surgical toilet is of prime importance for all wounds, and is usually sufficient for tetanus prophylaxis in patients with wounds that are less than six hours old, clean, non-penetrating, and with negligible tissue damage. Human tetanus immunoglobulin should be given to patients with more serious wounds sho have had toxoid injections over 10 years earlier, had an incomplete course, or do not know their immunity status. The importance of active immunization is emphasized. The recommendations should be regarded as guidelines as the circumstances in individual cases will differ.

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Selected References

These references are in PubMed. This may not be the complete list of references from this article.

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