[Effectiveness of tetanus vaccination in an adult population 10 years after the last dose].
OBJECTIVE
To check if antitetanus immunity after a correct vaccination lasts the anticipated 10 years.


METHODS
Sero-epidemiological crossover study. Determination of tetanus antitoxin by the ELISA method.


METHODS



METHODS
The town of Barrado in Cáceres.


METHODS
136 adult men and women (average age 54.6 +/- 15.9 years; range, 24 to 87) who had received their most recent vaccination during a 1981-1982 campaign. 71.32% received three doses.


RESULTS
82.35% +/- 6.40 of the sera analysed (percentage +/- C.I. 95%) maintained adequate levels of protection (> or = 0.01 Ui/ml). 100% of those under 35, revaccinated in 1980-81 because they were ELISA negative in spite of earlier school vaccination, were protected. The average concentrations did not differ significantly by gender and age-groups, although a tendency to decrease with age was noted.


CONCLUSIONS
Anti-tetanus vaccination in the individuals studied provided lasting protection, detectable for 10 years in 76-89% of cases. This level of effectiveness lends support to the criterion of administering back-up doses every 10 years.
Palomo Cobos
L
L
Unidad de Investigación, Hospital San Pedro de Alcántara, Cáceres.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013742:Tetanus / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin / Q000032:analysis*; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination
D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin; D013745:Tetanus Toxoid
Efectividad de la vacunación antitetánica a los 10 años de la última dosis en una población adulta.