Tetanus. A threat to elderly patients.

Tetanus rarely occurs in young persons now that childhood immunization programs are widespread. Many older patients, however, are not completely immunized, and mortality in this group is high. Since many of the wounds from which tetanus arises are minor, patients may not bring them to medical attention. Thus, physicians should include assessment of immunization status during routine office visits in all age-groups and provide immunization against tetanus and against diphtheria if indicated.