How often does one need a tetanus shot

If you live in the United States, you’ve likely had several tetanus vaccines throughout your life. But how do you know if you need another tetanus shot after a cut or other injury? Pratik Thaker, M.D., a Piedmont family medicine physician, explains.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a disease caused by a toxin-producing bacterium that affects the nervous system.

“Tetanus is a preventable, but very dangerous, disease,” says Dr. Thaker. “It’s uncommon in the United States—there are about 30 reported cases each year. But nearly all those cases were in people who weren’t vaccinated.”

Other tetanus risk factors—besides being unvaccinated—include:

• A foreign object in a wound, such as a splinter or a nail

• Wounds or cuts that are exposed to dirt or manure

• Shared needles for illegal drug use

• A medical condition that compromises your immune system

• An infected skin injury or sore if you have diabetes

• An infected umbilical cord if the mother isn’t vaccinated

Symptoms of tetanus

Early tetanus symptoms can include:

• Muscle contractions, especially in the jaw and neck muscles (also known as lockjaw)

• Painful muscle spasms in your neck

• Trouble swallowing

• Rigid muscles around your lips and abdomen

• Painful, seizure-like spasms

• Breathing problems

If the disease progresses, it can cause:

• Rapid heart rate

• Extreme sweating

• Low blood pressure

• High blood pressure

• Fever

“Tetanus can be a very life-threatening disease, so it’s important to ensure children are vaccinated and adults get regular booster shots,” says Dr. Thaker.

The recommended tetanus vaccine schedule is:

• DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 to 18 months, and 4 to 6 years

• Tdap booster at age 11 or 12

• Tdap or Td booster shot for adults every 10 years

• Tetanus booster during the third trimester of pregnancy, regardless of vaccination status

Do you need a tetanus shot after an injury?

Whether you need a tetanus shot after a cut, puncture wound, bite or burn depends on the type of injury.

“If a wound is contaminated with dirt or saliva or was caused by something made from metal, you should see your primary care provider or go to urgent care for a tetanus booster if you haven’t had a booster in five years,” says Dr. Thaker. “If you can’t remember when you had your last tetanus booster and we can’t find documentation, there’s no harm in getting a tetanus booster.”

If you sustain any type of injury, he recommends practicing first aid:

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them on a clean towel.

• Gently wash the wound with soap and water and dry it with a clean towel.

• If the wound was contaminated with dirt or saliva or it’s a deep wound, go to urgent care or your primary care provider ASAP.

Finally, Dr. Thaker emphasizes that vaccines—including tetanus shots—are safe for most people as long as they aren’t allergic to the ingredients in the vaccine.

“Vaccines don’t cause autism,” he says. “Unless you have a very good reason not to get vaccinated, you should get the vaccine.”

Vaccines save lives, so ask your primary care provider if you’re up to date on your vaccinations.

We make getting great health care simple and convenient. Schedule an appointment today through your Piedmont MyChart account or our website.

There are many different vaccines available that help us from getting serious and potentially life-threatening diseases and infections. At University Urgent Care in Fort Worth, TX, we offer the TdaP vaccine (the tetanus shot) to protect against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, also known as whooping cough. According to The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the TdaP and Td vaccines help lower incidences of tetanus and diphtheria by 99%, and pertussis by about 80%. Our experienced team at our urgent care center can help you decide when and why you need a tetanus shot based on your medical history and any risk factors you have before giving you your shot.

What causes tetanus bacteria?

Tetanus is caused by a bacterial infection that gets into a wound through a break in the skin or mucous membrane. This can be a cut, puncture wound, deep scrape, deep burn, or any injury that breaks the skin. The bacteria make a toxin that causes severe muscle spasms and, in severe cases, seizures. Also called lockjaw, tetanus can cause muscle tightness or spasms in the jaw, making it hard to open the mouth. This also makes it hard to swallow or even breathe. Tetanus can be very dangerous and, in severe cases, can cause death. The best prevention tip is to have a tetanus shot.

What is a tetanus shot?

The TdaP vaccine, a tetanus shot, protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis by creating a response in a patient’s immune system that helps prevent the bacteria from spreading if it does enter the body. The Td booster is given every ten years, but it only will protect against tetanus and diphtheria.

When to get a tetanus shot

To decide if you need a tetanus shot, first decide if the object that caused the wound was clean or dirty. If an object is dirty, it will have dirt, soil, spit, or feces on it.

You will need a tetanus shot if:

• Your wound was caused by something that was dirty, and you haven’t had a tetanus shot in over five years
• You aren’t sure if your wound was caused by something clean or dirty and your last tetanus shot was longer than five years ago
• You did not get the first series of tetanus shots (primary vaccination series)

Ideally, the TdaP vaccine should be given initially in several doses: two, four, and six months after birth. Another dose should be given when the baby is between 15 – 18 months old, 4 – 6 years old, and at 11 – 12 years of age. Starting at age 19, you should get a Td booster shot every ten years. Women who are pregnant should get a TdaP vaccine during their third trimester, so their baby has protection almost immediately after birth from whooping cough, which is common in newborns. If you need a tetanus shot, call University Urgent Care to schedule an appointment to get a tetanus shot in Fort Worth, TX.

What to expect when getting your shot

Patients who visit University Urgent Care for a tetanus shot first receive a physical exam to check their overall health. After discussing your medical history, including any previous vaccinations and allergies, we can determine if you are a candidate for the shot. If you are, we will administer the shot after sterilizing your skin at the injection site. After getting your tetanus shot, look for signs of an allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of the throat or face, trouble breathing, high fever, increased heart rate, dizziness, or weakness. Please understand these symptoms are rare, but it’s important to be aware of your health at all times.

How long does a tetanus shot last?

Adolescents and adults who haven’t ever had a tetanus-containing vaccine are recommended to receive three doses of tetanus-containing vaccine with at least four weeks between doses. Booster doses are conducted ten years and 20 years after the initial shot.

Protect your health with a tetanus shot

To ensure that you and your family are protected from the serious health problems caused by tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, schedule an appointment at University Urgent Care in Fort Worth, TX. Our skilled team can keep or get you on an immunization schedule with tetanus shots that is recommended by the CDC. We serve the Frisco Heights, Tanglewood, Paschal, and TCU neighborhood areas.

How do you know if you need a tetanus shot?

How long does a tetanus shot good for?

How often do you need a tetanus shot after a cut?

Do I need a tetanus shot for a small puncture?