The national vaccination recommendations are to be followed.
Individuals of 7 years old and over receive an identical dose.
1. Primary immunisation (for non-immunised persons or for those with no known record of vaccination).
A total of 3 vaccinations with 1 dose (0.5 ml) each time:
- Initial injection (from 7 years of age) 0.5 ml
- 4 - 6 weeks later 0.5 ml
- 6 - 12 months after the 2nd injection 0.5 ml
2. Booster vaccinations
It is recommended that, during adulthood, individuals who have received the complete primary immunisation course should have routine booster vaccinations against diphtheria and tetanus at 10 year intervals. When combination vaccines are used for booster vaccinations the indications and vaccination intervals of the other antigens in the vaccine should be taken into account in compliance with the current recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Following complete primary immunisation, if there is a risk of diphtheria or tetanus infection, a booster vaccination with the diphtheria adsorbate vaccine in keeping with the age or with appropriate combination vaccines should be undertaken if the last vaccination was more than 5 years ago.
Controls of serum antibodies in cases of unclear vaccination status are not indicated.
Primary immunisation discontinued for many years need not be re-done but can be supplemented at any time with at least three vaccinations against diphtheria and tetanus (irrespective of the kind of vaccines previously used). In general there are no maximum intervals between vaccinations. Every vaccination recorded counts.
3. Immunisation after injury
a) Individuals completely protected against tetanus, whose last vaccinations were:
up to 5 years ago: no immediate vaccination necessary
5-10 years: 0.5 ml SK Td? vaccine
more than 10 years ago: simultaneously 0.5 ml SK Td? + 250 IU tetanus immunoglobulin.
If the wounds are clean and minor, tetanus immunoglobulin need not be given.
b) When vaccinating a person with a known immune deficiency or on immunosuppressive treatment (an individual with congenital or acquired impairment of the body's defences), the success of the vaccination may be uncertain. In the event of injury, it is necessary to administer a simultaneous dose of tetanus immunoglobulin to these individuals.