The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 268 No 7199 p705-712
25 May 2002

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News summary

Switch to tetanus/diphtheria vaccine

Single antigen tetanus vaccine is being replaced by the combined tetanus/low dose diphtheria vaccine for adults and adolescents, the Department of Health says. The combined vaccine should now be used for primary immunisation of adults and adolescents against tetanus and when booster doses of tetanus are indicated.

The switch has been recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation following concern about the low level of immunity to diphtheria in older people in the United Kingdom. Existing stocks of adsorbed tetanus should be used by hospitals and practices before changing to the combined vaccine.