Tetanus Shot

What is a tetanus shot?

A tetanus shot is a vaccine that prevents tetanus (lockjaw), a painful bacterial infection that can be fatal. You usually get a series of tetanus shots in childhood. Since the bacteria that causes tetanus is found in the environment around us (like on metals and in the soil), healthcare providers recommend you get boosters to stay protected throughout adulthood.

Providers give you the shot using a thin needle, usually in your upper arm or thigh. The tetanus vaccine (also called tetanus toxoid) is often combined with additional vaccines to protect you from many diseases in a single shot. Common types include:

• DTaP. DTaP protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). It’s recommended for kids 6 and under. Providers often give this as a combination shot with other vaccinations against hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib).
• Tdap. Tdap protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Tdap is recommended for older kids and adults.
• Td. This protects against tetanus and diphtheria.

How do tetanus shots work?

Like other vaccines, tetanus shots work by training your immune system to recognize something harmful so it has the tools to fight it when it sees it again. Tetanus shots are a toxoid vaccine, which means they contain a weakened version of the toxin released by Clostridium tetani, the bacteria that cause tetanus. The toxoid creates the immune response that protects you if you’re exposed to the bacteria in the future.

When should I get a tetanus shot?

You should get a tetanus shot:

• Within 48 hours of getting a wound that’s deep and/or contaminated with dirt, poop or spit (saliva) — you’ll need a booster shot if you haven’t had one in the past five years (or can’t remember if you have)
• During your first trimester, if you’re pregnant, which can protect your baby from whooping cough in their first months of life (as part of the Tdap vaccine)
• As part of routine childhood immunizations — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. recommends an initial five-shot series between the ages of 2 months and 6 years and a booster shot between 11 and 12 years old
• Every 10 years after your initial series

Tetanus shot schedule

Public health officials recommend that you should get one dose:

• At 2 months old
• At 4 months old
• At 6 months old
• Between 15 and 18 months old
• Between 4 and 6 years old
• Between 11 and 12 years old
• Every 10 years afterward

Who should not get a tetanus shot?

If you or your child had an allergic reaction, seizures or decreased level of consciousness after getting a tetanus shot in the past, don’t get a tetanus shot until you talk to your provider. They can make a recommendation as to what’s safest for you.

Before getting the tetanus vaccine, tell your provider if you have:

• Life-threatening allergies
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Had seizures in the past
• Had severe pain or swelling after getting a tetanus shot in the past
• A condition that affects your nervous system
• Recently had transplant surgery

Also, tell your provider about any medications you take. Certain medications, like corticosteroids, cancer treatments and immunosuppressants could interact with the tetanus shot. This isn’t a complete list of all possible interactions.

What are the side effects of a tetanus shot?

Tetanus shot side effects are usually mild. They include:

Muscle soreness in your arm (most common)

• Swelling, pain and redness at the injection site
• Fatigue
• Fussiness or irritability in babies
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Low-grade fever
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea

Very rarely, babies and children have serious side effects from the DTaP vaccine, like:

• Continued, inconsolable crying (usually for more than a few hours)
• Fever over 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius)
• Seizures
• Swelling of an entire arm or leg

Are there any risks of a tetanus shot?

There are risks with any medication or treatment. Adverse reactions from the tetanus shot are rare. Call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the emergency room if you or a child has a severe reaction. This includes symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), like:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
• Hives
• Vomiting

How long do tetanus shots last?

After the initial series in childhood, your tetanus boosters should protect you for at least 10 years at a time.

Where can I get a tetanus shot?

You can get a tetanus shot at the emergency room if you get a deep wound that needs immediate care. Kids usually get their series of tetanus shots with a pediatrician, family doctor (primary care provider) or public health department. For adults, you can often schedule a routine booster with your provider’s office or pharmacy.

Do tetanus shots hurt?

Like other vaccines, tetanus shots feel like a pinch when you get them. It might leave you with a sore arm for a few days.

How effective are tetanus shots?

Experts estimate that a complete series of tetanus shots is nearly 100% effective at preventing tetanus. It’s rare for people to get tetanus since the shot became readily available.