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Who Discovered the Tetanus Vaccine?

Emil von Behring invented the tetanus vaccine. He was a Nobel Prize-winning doctor who is still very respected today. He dedicated his life to finding cures for diseases that were commonplace in his time .

  1. What Is Tetanus

    • According to the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, tetanus is a very painful infection of the nerves caused by a toxin created by the bacteria Clostridium tetani.

    Other Names

    • Another name for tetanus is lock jaw. It earned this name because painful muscle spasms caused by the disease can lead to an inability to chew or swallow.

    Occurrence

    • Tetanus happens rarely in the United States today because of vaccinations, but you should get a tetanus shot every five years.

      The bacteria that causes tetanus enters the body through wounds, therefore, if you are cut or wounded, especially by metal, and you are not up to date on your vaccinations, you should get a tetanus shot.

    Time Frame

    • Emil von Behring lived from March 15, 1854, to March 31, 1917, and he received the Noble Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1901.

    Other Accomplishments

    • Emil von Behring also created the vaccination for diphtheria, a disease that, because of his work, happens rarely in the United States today. Diphtheria is a very unpleasant bacterial infection that is spread much like the common cold.

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