What is an appropriate candidate for Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG)?

An appropriate candidate for Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG) is someone who has not received 3 tetanus toxoid vaccinations because TIG is indicated for individuals who are at increased risk of tetanus due to inadequate immunization history.

In cases of suspected tetanus exposure, particularly in the presence of a dirty or contaminated wound, the guidelines recommend TIG for individuals whose immunization status is not up to date—specifically, those who have not completed the primary series of tetanus vaccinations or have not received a booster within the last 10 years. This is crucial for imparting immediate passive immunity against the tetanus toxin, which is especially important since tetanus can be life-threatening.

In contrast, individuals with a complete vaccination history (3 or more tetanus toxoid vaccinations) are generally considered to be adequately protected against tetanus, thus precluding the need for TIG. Similarly, someone who has merely received 1 booster might still have some immunity depending on the time elapsed since their last vaccination, therefore not meeting the criteria for TIG. Lastly, individuals with clean wounds typically do not require TIG unless they fall into the inadequately immunized category, as clean wounds pose a lower risk for tetanus infection.