How to Know when You Need a Tetanus Shot

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Many people are familiar with the tetanus shot, but do you know when you should get the vaccine? Cases of tetanus in the U. S. and the rest of the industrialized world are rare due to high rates of vaccination. Vaccination is important, since there is no cure for tetanus, a disease caused by a bacterial toxin found in the soil, dirt, and animal feces. This toxic bacteria forms spores that are very difficult to kill since they are resistant to heat and many drugs and chemicals. Tetanus affects the nervous system and causes painful muscle contractions, particularly of the jaw and neck muscles. It can also hinder breathing, making it potentially deadly. For these reasons, it's important to understand when you should be vaccinated.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Knowing When to Get a Tetanus Shot

PDF download Download Article
  1. Usually, the bacterial toxins enter the body through a break in the skin caused by an object contaminated with tetanus. If you have one or more of the following injuries or wounds that are prone to tetanus, get a tetanus booster shot. These include: [1]
    • Any wound visibly contaminated with soil, dust, rust, saliva, or horse manure. [2]
    • Puncture wounds. Objects that can cause these types of wounds include wood splinters, nails, needles, glass, and human or animal bites.
    • Skin burns. Second-degree (partial-thickness or with blisters) and third-degree (full-thickness) burns are at higher risk for tetanus infection than first-degree (superficial) burns. [3]
    • Crush injuries that damage tissue by squeezing it between two heavy objects. They can also happen when heavy objects are dropped onto parts of the body. [4]
    • Wounds involving necrotic, or dead, tissue. This kind of tissue has no blood supply, increasing its risk for infection (along with severely compromised tissue). For example, areas of gangrene (dead body tissue) are at increased risk for infection. [5]
    • Wounds with foreign objects in them. Wounds that have foreign bodies, such as splinters, glass shards, gravel, or other objects in them are at higher risk for infection. [6]
  2. If you never received the first series of tetanus shots (primary vaccination series) or you're not sure when you had your last tetanus shot, go get a tetanus shot. Also, get a booster If you’re injured in any of the following ways: [7]
    • Your wound was caused by a “clean” object, but your last tetanus shot was over 10 years ago.
    • Your wound was caused by a “dirty” object and your last tetanus shot was more than 5 years ago.
      • A dirty, or contaminated, object has dirt/soil, saliva, or feces/manure on it, while a clean object does not. However, you can't necessarily know if an object has bacteria on it by looking at it.
    • You're not sure if the wound was caused by a “clean” or “dirty” object and your last tetanus shot was over 5 years ago.
    Advertisement
  3. In order to transfer tetanus antibodies to your baby, get a tetanus vaccine when you are between 27 and 36 weeks pregnant. [8]
    • Your doctor will likely recommend the inactivated Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Pertussis) vaccine during the third trimester of your pregnancy. [9]
    • If you have not had the Tdap vaccine before and don't have it during pregnancy, get vaccinated immediately after giving birth. [10] Anyone else interacting with your baby also needs a Tdap vaccine at least two weeks before seeing them. [11]
    • If you get a dirty cut or wound while pregnant, absolutely get a tetanus booster shot.
  4. The best way to "treat" tetanus is to prevent it in the first place. Several vaccines protect against tetanus. They are: [12]
    • DTaP. The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine (DTaP) are usually given to babies at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, then again at 15 to 18 months old, and finally once more between ages 4 and 6. DTap is a very effective vaccine for small children.
    • Tdap. Over time, protection from tetanus decreases, so older children need to get a booster shot. It has a full dose of tetanus and lower amounts of diphtheria and pertussis. All people between the ages of 11 and 18 are advised to get the booster, preferably around 11 or 12 years old.
    • Td. If you're an adult, get a Td (tetanus and diphtheria) booster shot every 10 years to stay protected. Since some people may lose the protective antibody levels after 5 years, a booster vaccination is recommended if you get a deep, contaminated wound and haven't had a vaccination in more than 5 years, even if you’ve had the full round of childhood immunizations. [13]
    • Most people don't experience serious reactions to the vaccine, but there are a few common mild reactions. These include localized swelling, tenderness, and redness at the injection site, but these often clear up in 1-2 days.
    5. Advertisement
Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Learning About and Recognizing Tetanus

PDF download Download Article
  1. Tetanus is spread by bacterial spores that usually enter the body through a puncture. The spores make a powerful neurotoxin that can cause muscle spasms and stiffness. Tetanus is not, however, spread from person to person, unlike other vaccine-preventable diseases. [14]
    • Nearly all cases of tetanus occur when someone isn’t up to date on their shots. [15] Tetanus is preventable with vaccines, so if you’re unvaccinated or haven’t kept up with your 10-year boosters, you are at a higher risk of tetanus.
      • Complications from tetanus are highest among people who have not been immunized at all or in older adults with inadequate immunization in industrialized countries.
    • You may also be at increased risk of tetanus after a natural disaster, especially if you live in a developing country. [16]
  2. As soon as you get an injury or wound, wash your hands with soap and water, then clean and disinfect the area. If you delay disinfecting the new wounds by more than 4 hours, you increase the chances of tetanus infection. [17]
    • This is even more important if the wound was caused by an object that punctured the skin, which can force bacteria and debris deep into the wound, making it an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria.
    • Pay attention to whether the object that caused your wound is clean or dirty to decide whether you need a tetanus booster.
  3. The incubation period varies from 3 to 21 days, with an average of 8 days. Tetanus severity is determined on a scale from I through IV. The longer it takes symptoms to appear, the more mild the disease is likely to be. [18] The symptoms of tetanus (in order of appearance) include: [19]
    • Spasm of jaw muscles (commonly referred to as “lockjaw”)
    • Stiffness of the neck
    • Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
    • Board-like rigidity of the abdominal muscles
  4. There are no blood tests that can diagnose tetanus, so it's important to pay attention to any symptoms. You may also notice fever, sweating, elevated blood pressure, or rapid heart rate (tachycardia). [20] Possible complications include: [21]
    • Laryngospasm, or spasm of the vocal cords, which can make breathing difficult
    • Bone fractures
    • Seizures/convulsions
    • Abnormal heart rhythms
    • Secondary infections, such as pneumonia, as a result of prolonged hospitalization
    • Pulmonary embolism, or blood clots in the lungs
    • Death (10% of reported cases are fatal)
    5. Advertisement
Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Treating Tetanus

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you think or even suspect you have tetanus, seek medical treatment immediately. It's a medical emergency and you'll need to be hospitalized because tetanus has a high mortality, or death, rate (10%). [22]
    • In the hospital, you'll be given a tetanus antitoxin, like tetanus immune globulin. This will neutralize any toxin that hasn't already bound to your nervous tissue. The wound will be thoroughly cleaned and you'll get a tetanus vaccine to prevent future infections. [23]
    • Being infected with tetanus does not give you immunity from future infection. Instead, you'll need to get the tetanus vaccine to keep from getting it again.
  2. Since there are no blood tests that can diagnose tetanus, lab testing is not useful in the evaluation of the disease. Because of this, most doctors opt for aggressive treatment if infection is suspected, instead of taking a “wait and see” approach. [24]
    • Doctors base their diagnosis mainly on the symptoms and clinical signs that are present. The more severe the symptoms, the more rapid the course of action.
  3. Since there is no cure for tetanus, treatments are directed at symptoms and emerging complications. Symptoms are treated with antitoxins; antibiotics given intravenously, by injection, or orally; and other drugs to control muscle spasms. [25]
    • Some of the drugs to control muscle spasms include sedatives from the benzodiazepine group (like diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), alprazolam (Xanax), and midazolam (Versed). [26]
    • Antibiotics are not generally effective against tetanus, but they may be prescribed to keep the Clostridium tetani bacteria from reproducing. This can help slow the production of toxins. [27]
    4. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    Is it safe to go into a flood disaster area if I have had a tetanus shot in the past five or six years?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    Yes, it should be safe, but you may want to check with your doctor about any other vaccinations that you may need, especially if this is in a foreign country.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 23
  • Question
    I was recently cut by glass. Do I need a tetanus shot for this?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    You doctor may offer you a tetanus shot if you were cut by glass and you cannot remember when you had your last booster. If you cut requires stitches, I would recommend you get the shot.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 14 Helpful 29
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • A couple of rare diseases can cause similar symptoms to tetanus. Malignant hyperthermia is an inherited disease that causes a rapid onset of fever and severe muscle contractions when you have general anesthesia. [28] Stiff Person Syndrome is an extremely rare disease of the nervous system that causes periodic muscle spasms. Symptoms usually begin in your mid-40s. [29]
        Thanks
        Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
      • There are tetanus vaccines that can also protect against Diphtheria and Pertussis (Tdap) or only Diphtheria (Td). Both vaccines last 10 years.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • The date of your last tetanus booster should be found in your immunization records at your doctor's office. Some people carry a personalized card verifying their dates of immunization, which you can get from your doctor.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Show More Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • After you get the vaccine or boosters, expect serious swelling. This is only for some people who have stronger reactions to some of the chemicals in the injection. The swelling should go down within two to three days. If it doesn't go away, seek medical help immediately.
      • Throw away any old rusty objects you have at home so you don't accidentally hurt yourself and contract tetanus.
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • Seek medical attention for any serious wounds or injuries. If you suspect that you have been infected with the tetanus bacteria, do not wait for symptoms to become present before getting proper treatment. There is no cure for tetanus, only treatment of symptoms until they resolve.
        Thanks
        Helpful 45 Not Helpful 25


      Advertisement

      Video

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Recognize Staph Infection Symptoms
      How to
      Identify Symptoms of MRSA
      How to
      Get Rid of an Abscess
      How to
      Read a Tuberculosis Skin Test
      How to
      Treat a Staph Infection
      How to
      Tell if You Have Strep Throat
      How to
      Get Rid of MRSA
      How to
      Kill E. Coli in Your Body
      How to
      Deal With a Cat Scratch
      How to
      Recognize Tetanus (Lockjaw)
      How to
      Get Rid of Bronchitis
      How to
      Recognize Symptoms of Cat Scratch Disease
      How to
      Cure the 100 Day Cough (Adults): Medical & Holistic Treatments
      How to
      Know if You Have Toxic Shock Syndrome
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/24283-tetanus-shot
      2. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351625
      3. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6970/
      4. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000024.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459217/
      6. ↑ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2007/0901/p683.html
      7. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/tetanus/index.html
      8. ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/why-should-i-get-tdap-during-pregnancy
      9. ↑ https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/09/update-on-immunization-and-pregnancy-tetanus-diphtheria-and-pertussis-vaccination
      1. ↑ CDC. Updated recommendations for use of tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap) in pregnant women - Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), 2012. MMWR 2013; 62 (07):131-5.
      2. ↑ https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/ask-acog/why-should-i-get-tdap-during-pregnancy
      3. ↑ https://www.hhs.gov/immunization/basics/types/index.html
      4. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/do-adults-really-need-tetanus-booster-shots-2020051219786
      5. ↑ https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4220.pdf
      6. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/index.html
      7. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21357910/
      8. ↑ https://www.rch.org.au/clinicalguide/guideline_index/Management_of_tetanusprone_wounds/
      9. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/
      10. ↑ https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4220.pdf
      11. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/tetanus/about/
      12. ↑ https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4220.pdf
      13. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459217/
      14. ↑ https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4220.pdf
      15. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459217/
      16. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351631
      17. ↑ https://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4220.pdf
      18. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23582-tetanus-lockjaw
      19. ↑ https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001315.htm
      20. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/stiff-person-syndrome-sps

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      You should get a tetanus shot if you’ve never gotten one before or if you don’t remember the last time you got one. Alternatively, if you’ve recently experienced a puncture wound from wood, glass or teeth, you should get another shot. You should also get a tetanus shot if your wound has been exposed to soil, dust or manure. Additionally, if your injury was caused by something crushing a part of your body, you should get a tetanus shot. If you’re unsure whether or not you need the shot, visit your doctor just to be safe. To learn how to recognize symptoms of tetanus, read more from our Physician co-author.

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,763,014 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Dmitry Shulyukin

        May 21, 2017

        "I broke my hand through a glass door yesterday by slamming it too hard, then patched the cuts up with bandaids and ..." more
        Rated this article:
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement