Tetanus is an acute infection caused by exotoxins produced by a Gram-positive anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium tetani. The vaccine to prevent this disease, which is virtually 100% effective and safe, has been available for over sixty years. In France, it has been a mandatory vaccine since 1952. Despite vaccination, the disease has not yet completely disappeared, and this article, which aims to provide an overview of the epidemiological situation of this disease in France, shows that for 2000 and 2001, the epidemiological characteristics were the same as in previous years: the disease still affects the oldest age groups in the population (87% are 70 years of age or older), and primarily women (78%), who are less well protected than men, who were revaccinated during military service (while it was mandatory). Over the two years of surveillance, 20% of patients died. The remaining cases and deaths could be easily prevented through routine vaccination of adults with tetanus toxoid, improved implementation of the booster policy, and, in the event of a wound, vaccination and administration of specific human immunoglobulins. (adapted from the text)