Status of tetanus prevention following injuries: a descriptive study from Sandun Town, Hangzhou

To describe tetanus vaccination practices and injury characteristics in Sandun Town, Hangzhou during February 2024 to January 2025.

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using data from trauma and animal-injury patients who received tetanus vaccination in Sandun Town, Hangzhou from February 2024 to January 2025. Demographic characteristics, injury profiles, vaccination status, and relationships with season/temperature were analyzed.

Total of 3,174 patients were initially identified, and 2,825 were included in the final analysis after applying exclusion criteria. Among them, animal-induced injuries accounted for 1,029 cases (36.4%), traffic accident injuries for 943 cases (33.4%), cutting injuries for 374 cases (13.2%), blunt force injuries for 242 cases (8.6%), and other causes for 237 cases (8.4%). Males predominated in all trauma categories except animal-induced injuries, where females were the majority (53.3%). Employees/workers were the predominant occupational group across all categories (56.4-76.4%). The upper limb was the most common injury site across all categories (56.7-74.1%). High-risk wounds were observed in 88.2-98.9% of patients. The use of passive immunizing agents was generally low (2.1-10.4%), with the highest rate in animal-induced injuries.

Following the implementation of China's 2024 non-neonatal tetanus guideline, the treatment of external injuries is becoming more standardized. However, gaps persist compared with developed countries, mainly reflected in the underutilization of passive immunizing agents for high-risk wounds and inconsistent application of guidelines. Targeted education for students, migrant workers, and pet owners-particularly during warmer months-and continued training for healthcare personnel are needed.