How are health authorities coping with the shortage?
The recommendation is that only those who need it most should receive the vaccine. When will the shortage be over? The shortage should end in early 2002. What is tetanus? Also called lockjaw, tetanus causes painful muscle tightening throughout the body. Infected people may not be able to swallow or open their mouths. People with tetanus can die. How do you get it? A toxin found in soil, manure and dust causes tetanus. Puncture wounds, scratches, cuts and burns put you at risk for exposure. Unborn and newborn children also are at risk, so immunization against tetanus is recommended for pregnant women. Ordinarily, when are people vaccinated? Children receive a series of shots for tetanus at age 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 12-18 months. They receive another shot at 4-6 years. These shots also protect children against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) and are called DTP shots. Starting when they are age 11 or 12, children need DTP booster shots every 10 years. Adults also need
