
Low but persistent tetanus risk in the US despite vaccination gains (2009–2023)
US tetanus surveillance from 2009–2023 recorded 402 cases and 37 deaths (mean incidence 0.08 per million). Most cases occurred in adults (median age 40; 86% ≥18), with higher incidence in males; deaths declined by over 99%. The burden persists especially among unvaccinated/undervaccinated individuals, reflecting suboptimal adult tetanus vaccination coverage (Tdap/TTCV ~57–70%). The National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System monitors trends, wound management, and vaccine use to guide prevention efforts.











