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FAQ

What is tetanus?

Page last updated 07 April 2022

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. The bacteria are found most commonly in soil, dust and manure and can enter the body through breaks in the skin (usually through cuts or puncture wounds caused by contaminated objects).

Sources & Citations

1. Australian Government, Department of Health. The Australian Immunisation Handbook. Tetanus. Available at: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccine-preventable-diseases/tetanus (accessed 08 March 2022).

MAT-AU-2200366  Date of preparation March 2022

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