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| - Last Updated on October 3, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that tetanus vaccines are used as a measure to sterilize people and no one has ever died of Tetanus. We fact-checked and found this claim to be False.
The Claim
An Instagram post shares a video in which a woman says, “I’ve never heard of anyone dying [of tetanus] that way. So, come to find out, that is a lie. No one has died that way. Nobody in the entire world, in history, modern history, right? So, why are they giving it [the tetanus vaccine] out if that’s a lie, right? …”
She further states, “But I saw there is a huge difference in fertility, huge, in people who didn’t get it was extremely fertile. The people who did have a lot of problems. I Googled it then and sure enough, you can still find this if you Google it that the World Health Organization and NIH have since 1972 been developing the tetanus vaccine as an abortion or sterilization vaccine.”
Fact Check
What is Tetanus?
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacterium produces a toxin called tetanospasmin, which affects the nervous system and leads to muscle stiffness and spasms. Tetanus bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust, and manure.
Tetanus can enter the body through open wounds, such as cuts, burns, or puncture wounds, especially when they are contaminated with soil or other materials containing the bacteria. Once inside the body, the bacteria release the toxin (tetanospasmin), which travels through the bloodstream and affects the nerves that control muscle movement. The muscle contractions can be so severe that they can lead to lockjaw, difficulty breathing, seizures, and even death.
Why is Tetanus vaccination necessary?
Tetanus vaccination is necessary for several reasons:
- Protection against tetanus: Tetanus is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The tetanus toxin affects the nervous system, leading to severe muscle stiffness and spasms. By receiving the tetanus vaccine, you develop immunity against the toxin, reducing the risk of developing tetanus if you are exposed to the bacteria.
- Prevention of complications: Tetanus can have serious complications, including respiratory failure caused by severe muscle spasms. Vaccination helps prevent these complications and reduces the severity of symptoms if infection occurs.
- Wound protection: Tetanus bacteria are commonly found in soil, dust, and manure. If you sustain a wound, especially one that is deep or contaminated, there is a risk of tetanus infection if the wound is exposed to the bacteria. Vaccination ensures that your immune system is prepared to respond to the bacteria and neutralize the toxin before it can cause harm.
- Combination vaccines: Tetanus vaccines are often administered in combination with vaccines for other diseases, such as diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). This approach provides protection against multiple diseases with a single vaccine, making immunization more convenient and efficient.
It’s important to note that tetanus immunity can wane over time, so routine booster doses are necessary to maintain protection. The exact vaccination schedule may vary depending on your age, previous immunization history, and specific recommendations from healthcare authorities. Consulting with a healthcare provider is the best way to determine the appropriate timing and frequency of tetanus vaccination for your individual circumstances.
Can tetanus vaccination cause sterilization?
No, tetanus vaccination does not cause sterilization. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that tetanus vaccination can lead to infertility or affect reproductive health in any way even though there have been various speculations around this in the past.
Tetanus vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to produce protective antibodies against the tetanus toxin. They contain inactivated or attenuated forms of the bacterium Clostridium tetani or specific components of the bacterium that are responsible for producing the toxin. This claim has been debunked by the UNICEF which states that these vaccines do not contain any substances or ingredients that can interfere with fertility or reproductive function.
This myth about the tetanus vaccine serves as a reminder of the widespread vaccine misinformation that can emerge, similar to the recent claims regarding the untimely death of Darius Campbell Danesh.
Dr Kashyap Dakshini, General physician practicing in Mumbai explains, “Tetanus vaccines are generally safe and do not have any serious side effects. Most side effects like pain, heaviness of the shoulder/arm are not serious. Serious side effects (which are rare) include allergic reaction to tetanus toxoid, dizziness, muscle weakness, pain and fever.”
He further informs, “If an individual is not immunised with tetanus vaccine (also known as tetanus toxoid) then there is a risk of a rare but fatal bacterial infection called tetanus (lockjaw) which may lead to difficulty to swallow, breathe and speak, fever, muscle spasms, paralysis, and seizures. A tetanus shot comprises of inactivated bacteria which provide immunity against tetanus.”
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) states that tetanus causes an estimated 213,000 to 293,000 deaths worldwide every year. It also states that it is responsible for 5 to 7% of all neonatal deaths and 5% of maternal deaths globally. The Vaccine Knowledge Project at Oxford University mentions that tetanus is always serious and often fatal. Therefore, the claim that no one has died from tetanus is absolutely false.
Additionally, vaccines, including the tetanus vaccine, undergo rigorous testing and are approved by regulatory authorities before they are made available to the public. They are considered safe and effective in preventing tetanus and its complications.
It must be noted that the above clip originated from a longer podcast interview with Carrie Madej, who has been previously associated to be a COVID-19 misinformation spreader as can be seen on Google Fact Check Explorer.
It is important to rely on accurate and evidence-based information when considering vaccination. If you have concerns or questions about tetanus vaccination or any other vaccines, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide you with accurate and personalized information based on your individual circumstances.
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