[afro-nets] New WHO Position Paper on Tetanus Vaccine

["Claudio Schuftan" <claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn>]

New WHO Position Paper on Tetanus Vaccine
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From: "Vern Weitzel at UNAIDS" <vern@unaids.org.vn

From: "Duncan, Mr Richard (SP)" <duncanr@sp.wpro.who.int

Dear All,

WHO has just released an updated position paper on tetanus vaccines, that contains both modified and expanded recommendations for the provision of tetanus containing vaccines, which is of relevance to the Pacific.  This position paper is the result of discussions at the WHO Immunization Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) that occurred in Geneva in April 2006.  The key recommendations from the SAGE, which are reflected in this position paper are:
1. WHO should expand the goal of tetanus vaccination from MNTE to protection of all persons throughout life.
2. A 5-dose minimum childhood immunization schedule should be promoted.
3. Primary series of 3 doses would be given in infancy, with a booster dose ideally at age 4-7 years and another booster dose in adolescence (e.g., age 12-15 years).
4. Exact timing of the booster doses should be flexible to take account of the most appropriate health service contacts in different countries
5. In addition to childhood vaccination program, an extra dose to adults will provide additional assurance of protection.  sixth dose is therefore recommended for adults, e.g. in first pregnancy or as military recruits. 
6.  In accordance with the recommendations in previous position paper on diphtheria, diphtheria-tetanus vaccine use is preferable to single antigen TT vaccine.
7. Surveillance of tetanus cases (all ages) and of coverage of tetanus-containing vaccines in different age groups should be strengthened.
8. Systems will be needed to document the number of doses received by an individual, so that number of doses required for women of CBA can be tailored to the number of doses received in the past.

Immunization programme that wish to review their current tetanus containing vaccine schedules in light of the new recommendations from WHO can download this paper at:
http://www.who.int/wer/2006/wer8120/en/index.html

Alternatively, I am happy to forward a copy (pdf) to anyone that contacts me at the email address below.

Best regards,

Richard Duncan
Expanded Programme on Immunization
WHO, South Pacific, Fiji
mailto:duncanr@sp.wpro.who.int

--
Claudio Schuftan
mailto:claudio@hcmc.netnam.vn