Warning over tetanus jab shortage

Anti-toxin injection is the usual treatment

Hospitals have been warned that they may run out of the frontline treatment used to prevent tetanus.

Dr David Salisbury, the government's director of immunisation policy, has written to hospitals to advise them on how to deal with shortages.

The Department of Health said supplies would be restored to normal levels by mid-July.

Tetanus is a bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms. It can be deadly if not treated.

TETANUS Caused by a toxin made by the bacterium Clostridium tetani Usually enters the body through a wound - often caused by an animal bite Symptoms include headache, fever and muscle stiffness in the back, neck, arms and jaw Without treatment can lead to painful muscle spasms If the muscles of the chest and throat are affected, then a person may find it difficult to breathe and could suffocate

It is most often contracted after being bitten by an animal carrying the bacterium which causes the disease.

The usual treatment is to administer an anti-toxin called tetanus immunoglobulin (TIG).

The Department of Health said the risk of people developing tetanus was low, as most were already immunised. TIG was usually only given as an extra precaution.

A spokeswoman stressed that it was not expecting any increase in the number of cases, which on average is six a year.

However, Dr Salisbury warned patients who do not receive the jab "may be at increased risk" of developing the disease.

In his letter, he advised doctors to use a combined vaccine for tetanus, diphtheria and polio if they run out of TIG.

But he admitted that this was not as effective, as it is not fast acting.

Suppliers' problems

The Department of Health spokeswoman said the shortage had been caused by problems with suppliers but levels would be restored by the middle of next month.

"The Department of Health has become aware of some supply problems with tetanus immunoglobulin. We have intervened and sent out clinical advice to hospitals in this very short interim period.

"This underlines the steps that need to be taken to minimise the risk of tetanus which include ensuring wounds are cleaned properly.

"Manufacturers have confirmed that supplies will be restored by mid-July."

Shadow Health Secretary Andrew Lansley criticised the Department of Health for allowing supplies to run so low.

He said: "This is the latest episode of incompetence to strike the Department of Health.

"Tetanus immunoglobulin is not an elective treatment which can safely be delayed, but an emergency treatment which must be available for patients when it is needed.

"The Department of Health needs to explain why it has allowed the UK's supply to reach such a dangerously low level, and why it did not take action sooner to prevent this situation occurring."