[Coverage of anti-tetanus vaccinations in adults in Canada-year 2002. ]

The rare cases of tetanus that have occurred in Canada were in adults whose vaccination was not up-to-date. The objective of this study was to estimate the vaccine coverage in Canadian adults.

1,002 individuals 18 years of age and older selected by random digit dialing were interviewed by telephone in February 2002. Information was collected about their vaccination status, the circumstances of their vaccination, and their opinion about the duration of the protection of the tetanus vaccine and the recommended interval between booster doses.

The participation rate was 38%. Overall, 54% of participants reported having received one dose of tetanus vaccine during the last 10 years: 58% for men and 51% for women. The vaccine coverage was lower in adults > or =60 years of age than in those under 60 (38% vs. 59%). Most doses (57%) were administered as part of treatment for a wound. 30% of participants thought they were protected for life by their childhood immunization against tetanus, whereas 52% knew they had to receive a booster dose each 6-10 years.

Vaccine coverage against tetanus is insufficient in adults, especially those > or =60 years of age. As most doses are administered as part of wound treatment, it is not likely that this situation will improve without developing specific interventions.