What We Do
Although the number of tetanus cases is low, this infection should not be overlooked due to its severity and potentially fatal consequences. Vaccination against tetanus requires booster shots in adulthood, at ages 25, 45, and 65, and then every 10 years. However, over the years, these boosters appear to be administered less and less frequently, as we observe an increase in the incidence of tetanus with age. The challenge, therefore, is to effectively implement vaccine booster policies.
Epidemiological Surveillance of Tetanus
Santé publique France is responsible for national tetanus surveillance, which relies on mandatory reporting and a network of partners.
Mandatory reporting
Physicians who suspect or diagnose a case of tetanus must report it immediately and by any appropriate means (telephone, fax) to the ARS physician in their area of practice.
Reporting allows for the analysis and monitoring of the progression of these diseases within the population in order to better target local and national prevention efforts.
Definition of Tetanus Cases to Be Reported and Notified
| Reported cases | Type of notification form | Notified cases | Reporting and notification criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| No reporting required for tetanus | Simple, downloadable form | Confirmed cases | Confirmed case: clinical diagnosis of generalized tetanus |
Notification Form
Informing the public about the reporting of notifiable diseases
A network of partners
This surveillance program relies on several partners:
Regional Health Agencies (ARS) - List and locations of ARS: http://www.ars.sante.fr/portail.0.html
The Directorate General for Health (Ministry of Health): solidarites-sante.gouv.fr
The Inserm Information Service on Medical Causes of Death (CépiDc): http://www.cepidc.vesinet.inserm.fr
A tetanus prevention initiative
Santé publique France has created an information website on vaccinations available in France to provide reliable, scientifically validated answers to questions the public and healthcare professionals may have on the subject. A section dedicated to tetanus vaccination is available in two sections—one for the general public and the other for professionals—to better support them in their practice:
In relation to
Vaccination
thematic dossier
Contagious diseases most often affect children at a very young age. Because children are particularly vulnerable, they are a priority target for vaccination programs.
