Guidance

Tetanus: advice for people who inject drugs

A resource for clinicians to give to their patients.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 30 May 2013
• Last updated: 23 April 2026
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  1. 23 April 2026

     Information added in HTML format, content now owned and managed by UKHSA

  2. 15 July 2025

     Rebranded page to UKHSA. No change to content.

  3. 30 May 2013

     First published.

Documents

Advice on tetanus for people who inject drugs

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Tetanus is caused by a neurotoxin produced by Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic spore-forming bacillus. Tetanus spores can be present in the gastrointestinal tract and faeces of horses and other animals. It is important that people who inject drugs are aware of this infection and know to get help to reduce their risk.