What is botulism? It is a rare but serious paralytic illness caused by a nerve toxin that is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. There are three main kinds of botulism. Foodborne botulism is caused by eating foods that contain the botulism toxin. Wound botulism is caused by toxin produced from a wound infected with Clostridium botulinum. Infant botulism is caused by consuming the spores of the botulinum bacteria, which then grow in the intestines and release toxin. All forms of botulism can be fatal and are considered medical emergencies. Foodborne botulism can be especially dangerous because many people can be poisoned by eating a contaminated food.
Who Should be Vaccinated?
Laboratory workers who work directly with botulism must be vaccinated. The Botulism vaccine is available to you, to increase protection from botulinum toxin exposure in a laboratory setting.
If you work with Botulism in a lab setting at Rutgers speak with your Principal Investigator and then contact REHS at 732-445-2550 to inquire if you should be included in this program.
Vaccination
Faculty and staff are not subject to mandatory immunization with the Botulism Toxoid Vaccine and the decision to receive the vaccination is completely voluntary.
Because of serious health and safety concerns, however, no person can be medically cleared to work with the Botulism unless they are adequately vaccinated.