💉 Tetanus Prophylaxis (Wound Management)
This tool judges the need for tetanus vaccine and immune globulin (TIG) by wound type and immunization history.
Tetanus Prophylaxis (Wound Management)
Wound type
Tetanus immunization history
HIV or severe immunodeficiency
When to use
Use during wound care to decide vaccine and TIG, accounting for contaminated wounds and immunocompromise.
How it works
Clean minor wound → vaccine only if history unknown/incomplete or > 10 yr; never TIG. Contaminated/larger wound → vaccine + TIG if history unknown/incomplete, vaccine booster if > 5 yr. HIV/severe immunodeficiency + dirty wound → TIG regardless.
Key points
- A clean minor wound never warrants TIG, whereas a contaminated wound in an under-immunized or immunocompromised patient does. (original synthesis · not guideline verbatim)
- TIG neutralizes only free toxin, so thorough wound debridement remains essential.
- Antibiotics do not substitute for immunoprophylaxis, and the primary series should be completed.
References
Decision support for licensed clinicians only; not a substitute for clinical judgement, diagnosis or local protocols.