Tetanus is caused by stepping on a rusty nail or receiving a serious puncture wound. But in reality, tetanus bacteria is everywhere, especially in dirt, dust and manure, and it can enter the body through a tiny pinprick, scratch from an animal, splinters, bug bites and burns that break the skin.
A tetanus infection can be deadly. As many as 40 percent of people who get a tetanus infection die from it. The disease affects the nervous system and can result in spasms strong enough to break bones.
One condition that often happens with tetanus is a spasm and tightening of the mouth that causes the jaw to stiffen, also called lock jaw. Tetanus infection also can cause the muscles of the diaphragm to spasm and tighten, making it difficult to breathe. The disease can lead to dangerously high blood pressure, breathing failure and pneumonia that can result in coma or death.
More adults are taking the threat of tetanus lightly – because vaccination is almost 100 percent effective – however, it is important to have your tetanus booster.
Tetanus Shots
Most people received a series of tetanus vaccinations when they were children. It is administered in children usually in combination with vaccines against other illnesses. Tetanus shots generally are required for children before starting school. Five doses of vaccine are recommended before the age of 6. After the initial series of immunizations, a booster of tetanus and diphtheria vaccine should be given at 11-12 years of age and every 10 years after that.
When to get a tetanus booster
- If it has been more than 10 years since you had a tetanus shot. For most adults, the protection falls off with time.
- If you are 50 years and older. According to the CDC, a number of people in this age group did not receive their first tetanus shots during childhood.
- If you have no records of receiving the first series of tetanus shots or boosters as a child.
- If you are traveling to a country with hot, damp climates and soil that contains a lot of organic matter.
- If you are an agricultural worker, or if you work with dirt and manure.
- If your job or activities cause a lot of cuts and scrapes on your skin.
- If you are recovering from tetanus infection.
- Pregnant women who have not been immunized and have not received a recent booster or may deliver in an unhygienic place. When you are immunized, antibodies that fight the disease are passed from you to your fetus.
- If you are hurt and require emergency tetanus treatment.
Side Effects
You probably will be sore for a day or two near the spot of the vaccination. You also might experience some redness and swelling where the shot was given for 1-2 days.
You can treat these symptoms by taking a non-aspirin pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
It is very rare you would have a serious allergic reaction from the vaccine, but if you experience a deep, aching pain and loss of muscle in your upper arm that starts 2 days to 4 weeks after you get the shot, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Information taken from ADVANCE for Nurses ©2004 Merion Publications.
Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule