Nationwide Tetanus Toxoid Immunization

THE THREAT of tetanus, with its high morbidity and mortality, is ever present. In these days of numerous automobile collisions, burns, the occasional airplane crash, and other accidents, deep wounds occur in which tetanus toxin can be produced. In addition to such nonmilitary accidents, there is now the fearful possibility of nuclear warfare with many thousands of casualties. Because of the effective prophylactic programs adopted by the general practitioner and the pediatrician, most children and young adults have now been actively immunized against tetanus, and, in the event of wounds, need only a booster dose of tetanus toxoid. As a result of army, navy, airforce, or other similar service, many young and middle-aged adults—both male and female—have likewise been actively immunized against this anerobic infection. Unfortunately, in contrast, middle-aged and younger persons who have not been in the military service, most older adults, and an occasional child have not been