The 57-year-old physician at a District 7 hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, recognized that even though the wound wasn't large, the bleeding presented a tetanus risk. To be safe, she took antibiotics to prevent infection and received a tetanus booster.
"The tetanus vaccine is most effective within 24 hours of injury, so I took advantage of my break to get vaccinated," Ms. Minh said.
At the VNVC Sunrise City Vaccination Center in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Ms. Minh underwent a screening and review of her vaccination history. As she hadn't received a tetanus booster in the past 10 years, doctors recommended both the vaccine and the tetanus antitoxin.
That same day, the VNVC Sunrise City Vaccination Center saw numerous patients, including children, adults, and pregnant women, seeking tetanus vaccinations. Among them was 27-year-old Nguyen Van Hai from District 7, who had cut his hand with a knife. After having the wound treated and stitched at a hospital, he was advised to get a tetanus shot.
 |
An adult receives a tetanus antitoxin injection at VNVC Sunrise City Vaccination Center. Photo: Hoang Duong |
An adult receives a tetanus antitoxin injection at VNVC Sunrise City Vaccination Center. Photo: Hoang Duong
Dr. Le Thi Kim Lien, a physician at the VNVC Sunrise City Vaccination Center, noted a rise in tetanus vaccinations due to injuries from accidents, particularly household ones. This increase is especially noticeable during the summer, when people spend more time with their families.
Dr. Lien explained that tetanus spores are present in soil, sand, and animal feces, and can infect any type of wound. Untreated tetanus can lead to bone fractures from muscle tension and spasms, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, respiratory failure, and death. The mortality rate ranges from 10% to 90%, depending on the severity of the case.
Dr. Lien cautioned against complacency regarding minor household injuries. Vietnam has seen numerous tetanus cases stemming from neglected minor wounds.
For instance, the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases has reported cases of severe tetanus resulting from injuries as minor as chicken pecks, pig scratches, and exposure to contaminated rainwater. In early 5/2025, a 7-year-old girl in Ha Giang suffered respiratory failure and required ventilation after stepping on a small piece of wood while playing soccer. Recently, the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases treated a 57-year-old man from Ca Mau who contracted tetanus from stepping on a thorn. He required a tracheotomy and days of ventilation, incurring medical expenses of 120 million VND.
A study of 50 patients aged 15 and older treated for tetanus at the Department of Tropical Medicine, Da Nang Hospital, from 1/1/2021 to 31/5/2023, revealed that 56% of infections originated from household accidents. Workplace accidents accounted for 24%, traffic accidents for 12%, and the source of infection remained unknown in the remaining cases. This study was published in the Vietnamese Journal of Infectious Diseases in 2023.
 |
A pregnant woman receives a tetanus vaccination to protect her health and provide passive immunity to her unborn child. Photo: Hoang Duong |
A pregnant woman receives a tetanus vaccination to protect her health and provide passive immunity to her unborn child. Photo: Hoang Duong
The most effective way to prevent tetanus is through vaccination. Vietnam offers various tetanus vaccines for children and adults, including single and combined doses: 5-in-1, 6-in-1, 4-in-1 (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio), 3-in-1 (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), and 2-in-1 (diphtheria, tetanus).
Children who have completed the four-dose primary series should receive boosters at ages 4-6 and every 10 years thereafter, or following an injury. Adults who haven't been vaccinated or can't recall their vaccination history should receive three doses, followed by boosters every 10 years or after an injury.
Those who haven't been vaccinated should wash any wounds thoroughly with soap and water, remove any foreign objects, and seek medical attention. Doctors can assess the wound and advise on vaccination if necessary. Pregnant women are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves during childbirth and provide passive immunity to their newborns.
Dr. Lien also emphasized the importance of caution in daily activities to prevent injuries. Children, especially during summer break, can be prone to household accidents. Parents should be vigilant, provide reminders, and implement safety measures for the entire family.
Khanh Hoa
