Tetanus Vaccine

What Is Tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious bacterial disease that affects the nervous system, causing severe and potentially life-threatening muscle spasms. It is commonly called “lockjaw” because one of its most recognizable effects is a locking of the jaw muscles that prevents a person from opening their mouth or swallowing. In severe cases, tetanus can lead to death by respiratory failure.

Unlike most infectious diseases, tetanus is not transmitted from person to person. Instead, it enters the body through a break in the skin. Tetanus enters the body through cuts or wounds. Deep puncture wounds, lacerations from nails or knives, burns, and even seemingly minor scratches can all allow the bacteria to establish an infection. The bacteria responsible, Clostridium tetani, are found worldwide. Tetanus is caused by the toxin produced by Clostridium tetani, a spore-forming bacterium that is ubiquitous in the environment, meaning it can be present in soil, dust, and animal manure virtually anywhere in the world, including right here in the Memphis metro area.

Symptoms of Tetanus

Tetanus symptoms typically appear between three days and three weeks after infection, with an average onset around eight days. The disease progresses through a recognizable pattern of muscular involvement that begins locally and spreads throughout the body.

• Muscular stiffness in the jaw and neck
• Difficulty swallowing
• Rigidity and spasms of the abdominal muscles
• Arched-back posture caused by spasms along the spine
• Headache, fever, and sweating
• In advanced cases, spasms extending to the respiratory muscles, how tetanus can become fatal

Tetanus requires intensive medical management. People with tetanus may need to spend several weeks in the hospital under intensive care. 

How Serious Is Tetanus?

Because vaccination programs have been so effective in the United States, tetanus is now rare, but it remains a dangerous disease when it does occur. During 2009 through 2023, a total of 402 tetanus cases and 37 associated deaths were reported from 47 states and the District of Columbia. The overall case-fatality rate among persons with tetanus with known vital status was 12.4%, with deaths predominantly affecting older adults. 

Preventing Tetanus

Vaccination is the most effective and reliable protection against tetanus. Due to widespread immunization, tetanus is now a rare disease in the U.S. The United States uses several combination vaccines that include tetanus protection, and the right choice depends on your age and vaccination history.

ACIP updated its recommendations in 2019 to allow use of either Td or Tdap where previously only Td was recommended, giving both patients and providers more flexibility. 

Who Should Get Vaccinated for Tetanus?

Most adults need to think about tetanus vaccination in one of a few scenarios. You should schedule your tetanus vaccine at The Shot Nurse if any of the following apply to you:

• You have not received a Td or Tdap booster in the past 10 years. This is the most common situation, and it applies to a large portion of adults who simply lost track of their vaccination schedule.
• You have never completed a primary tetanus vaccination series. Adults in this situation should receive three doses over 7 to 12 months to establish full baseline protection.
• You have recovered from tetanus disease. Recovery from tetanus infection does not reliably produce immunity, meaning a future infection is possible without proper vaccination following recovery.
• You sustained a wound that may be at risk. See the wound care section below for guidance on post-injury vaccination.

Tetanus vaccines are safe and effective. When side effects do occur, they usually include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site and a slight fever. As with any medicine, there are very small chances that problems could occur after getting a vaccine. However, the potential risks associated with tetanus disease are much greater than the potential risks associated with the tetanus vaccine. You cannot get tetanus from the vaccine. 

Tetanus Vaccination After a Wound

One of the most common reasons adults seek tetanus vaccination outside of their regular schedule is a wound or injury. Puncture wounds, deep cuts, animal bites, burns, and wounds contaminated with soil or debris all carry a risk of tetanus exposure and may warrant a booster dose, depending on your vaccination history. 

Get Your Tetanus Booster Today, No Appointment Necessary

The Shot Nurse makes it simple to stay current on your tetanus protection, whether you are due for your regular 10-year booster, catching up on missed vaccinations, or need post-injury vaccination following an accident. Our Memphis and Germantown clinics offer convenient, professional vaccination services with no long waits. Walk-ins are welcome.

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