A seven-year-old girl from Netanya, who was not vaccinated against tetanus was admitted to the intensive care unit at Sanz Medical Center after contracting tetanus from a fall and injury, the Health Ministry reported Thursday.
Sources familiar with the details said that the parents had refused to vaccinate their daughter as part of the routine immunization schedule.
The Health Ministry reminds the public that it is essential to receive tetanus vaccinations as part of routine immunizations and after certain injuries or bites. The vaccine is available at the ministry's clinics and health care funds.
The tetanus vaccine is administered as part of the DTaP vaccine in the routine immunization schedule for infants and children. The vaccine provides nearly 100% protection against tetanus. Immunity decreases over time, so it is recommended to receive a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.
Tetanus is an infectious disease of the central nervous system caused by a bacterium that releases toxins. It manifests with fever, sweating, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, severe and painful spasms and muscle contractions, potentially leading to paralysis. In 10%-20% of cases, tetanus can be fatal. The bacterium Clostridium tetani produces particularly potent toxins. Tetanus spores are found in soil, house dust, rust, animal excreta and human feces.
The Health Ministry emphasizes the importance of routine immunizations against infectious diseases, some of which can cause severe complications and death. Adhering to the routine immunization schedule is crucial for preventing outbreaks of illness among children and their communities. Just two days ago, it was reported that a five-week-old infant from the Jerusalem area died of pertussis, or whooping cough. An epidemiological investigation revealed that the infant's mother had not been vaccinated during pregnancy.