Two out of three senior citizens may lack adequate immunity to tetanus, a life-threatening central nervous system ailment contracted when bacteria invade an open wound, usually a deep puncture or cut made by a nail or a knife, University of Florida researchers report.

The findings suggest older Americans are failing to comply with immunization guidelines recommending tetanus boosters at 10-year intervals throughout adult life, said Dr. Desmond Schatz, an associate professor of pediatric endocrinology at UF's College of Medicine.

"That puts them at risk for getting the disease and suffering its devastating consequences," Schatz said.

Symptoms of Tetanus
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, causes painful muscle spasms and is associated with a high death rate. Young children receive the DTP vaccine to protect against tetanus and two other diseases, diphtheria and whooping cough.

The UF team's recommendation? Boosters for elderly individuals who already have completed a primary immunization regimen, and a primary series of tetanus shots for those who are unvaccinated