[Epidemiology of tetanus in Italy. Compulsory active preventive measures for the general population]

Tetanus mortality in Italy shows a constant and significant decrease after the second World War period. In particular, it is diminished the male mortality for the ages between 20 and 60 yrs, with inversion of the M/F rate. Morbidity rates show a similar pattern since 1955 when notification of new cases of tetanus became compulsory. Active prophylaxis policy against tetanus includes compulsory vaccination of the draftees (since 1939 and '40), of high risk workers and athletes (since 1963), and of all newborns in their second year of life (since 1968). Subsequent booster vaccine administrations are performed every four years. A law which anticipates the start of the vaccination at the third month of life is going to be approved. Epidemiological considerations, data from literature and experimental data suggest the opportunity of further modifications.