The tetanus vaccine should be followed by a booster shot every 10 years, health officials say. The health district is working to add to its supplies, and the state Health Department is expected to issue an advisory soon about the shortage, Chesebrough said. Dr. Jerald Malone, who practices at the Family Medical Group in Las Vegas, said his office is running low, as well. For now, physicians are administering the vaccine to those who need it and aren't rationing the supplies, he said. There is no cure for tetanus once a person contracts the disease, Malone said.
Prevention is the only treatment.