Tetanus, Truth, and the Cost of Silence: Confronting Dangerous Disinformation
The above meme, which I came across on Facebook, quoting Russell Blaylock, presents a deeply misleading and factually incorrect take on tetanus and the value of vaccination. Such disinformation cannot be allowed to go unchallenged. Here’s a breakdown and rebuttal of the key claims, supported by scientific evidence:
1. “Tetanus is probably one of the most ridiculous vaccines ever.”
Fact check: This is not true.
Tetanus vaccination has saved countless lives and is part of essential immunisation schedules worldwide.
The World Health Organisation (WHO), the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the Australian Department of Health all classify tetanus vaccination as critically important, especially given that tetanus has no natural immunity – even surviving tetanus doesn’t protect you from getting it again.
2. “Your chances of getting tetanus are about the same as walking outta here and getting hit by a meteor.”
Fact check: False and dangerous analogy.
Before vaccines, the incidence of tetanus was significantly higher, particularly in newborn infants and the elderly.
According to the CDC, in the U.S. from 2001–2008, most tetanus cases (nearly all) occurred in unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccine status.
Tetanus is not contagious, so the low incidence is thanks to vaccination, not lack of exposure.
3. “If you get a cut or puncture wound and you put peroxide on it, your chances of getting tetanus are zero…”
Fact check: Dangerous and medically inaccurate.
Hydrogen peroxide does not sterilise wounds adequately, especially deep puncture wounds – the exact type most likely to harbour Clostridium tetani (the causative organism tetanus).
Tetanus spores are extremely resilient and survive in harsh conditions. They can remain dormant in soil, dust, or surfaces for years and germinate under low-oxygen conditions inside tissue.
Many tetanus cases occur after minor injuries where wound cleaning alone was not sufficient.
4. “Tetanus organism is anaerobic. It cannot live in oxygen.”
Fact check: Partly true, but misleading.
Clostridium tetani is indeed anaerobic, meaning it prefers low-oxygen environments.
However, deep puncture wounds, necrotic tissue, and foreign bodies (like splinters or nails) provide exactly these anaerobic conditions within the human body, even if the outside air is oxygen-rich.
This is why tetanus can – and does – occur inside wounds, even with surface exposure to air.
5. “Tetanus comes from the bowels of animals. As long as you don’t have a sheep or a cow in your house…”
You do not need to live near livestock. Many tetanus cases come from gardening, stepping on nails, or minor outdoor injuries – even urban dwellers are at risk.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook and CDC confirm that spores are everywhere and exposure is common.
Historical & Global Data
Before vaccines, tetanus killed hundreds of thousands globally each year.
In 1988, there were over 787,000 neonatal tetanus deaths globally. By 2020, after vaccination campaigns, that dropped to under 25,000 – a 97% reduction (WHO).
In the U.S., tetanus dropped from 500–600 deaths/year in the 1940s to single digits per year now – thanks entirely to routine vaccination.
His medical expertise is not in immunology, infectious diseases, or epidemiology, and his statements have been widely criticised by public health experts.
Conclusion
This meme is a dangerous misrepresentation of infectious disease science. Tetanus is a potentially deadly disease that is entirely preventable through vaccination. The claim that peroxide or lifestyle alone provides protection is not supported by evidence, and spreading this misinformation puts lives at risk – especially among children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised.
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I believe in championing Equity & Inclusion. With over three decades of experience in healthcare, I’ve witnessed the power of compassion and innovation to transform lives. Now, I’m channeling that same drive to foster a more inclusive Australia - and world - where every voice is heard, every barrier dismantled, and every community thrives. Let’s build fairness, one story at a time.