What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria make a toxin, or poison, that causes severe muscle spasms. Tetanus can be very dangerous, but you can get a shot to prevent it. Tetanus is also called "lockjaw" because muscle spasms in your jaw make it hard to open your mouth. Tetanus also causes seizures and makes it hard for you to swallow or breathe.

In the United States, most people have had shots to prevent tetanus, so the disease is relatively rare. People who have never been immunized or haven't had a booster in the last 10 years are more likely to get tetanus. This includes people who recently moved to the U.S. from countries where tetanus shots are rare. When these people work on farms and ranches where they come in contact with animal wastes, they have a higher chance of getting tetanus. People who inject illegal drugs and haven't been immunized also have a greater chance of getting tetanus.

How can you prevent tetanus?

You can prevent tetanus by getting all of your recommended immunizations. There are three different combination immunizations that include a vaccine for tetanus.

DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) (What is a PDF document?) DTaP is given in a series of 5 shots beginning at age 2 months and ending between ages 4 and 6 years.

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) (What is a PDF document?) Tdap is the first booster shot for tetanus and is recommended for children between ages 11 and 12 years who have completed the DTaP immunization series. Teens or adults who have never had the Tdap vaccine should talk to their doctors about getting it for their next tetanus booster.

Td (tetanus and diphtheria) (What is a PDF document?) Td is given as a booster shot every 10 years.

If you have a dirty cut or wound, get a tetanus shot as soon as possible if 5 or more years have passed since your last tetanus shot. Some people may need tetanus immune globulin (TIG) for a wound that is at high risk for developing tetanus. The immune globulin is usually only needed if you have not (or do not know whether you have) completed the tetanus immunization series.

What causes tetanus?

The bacteria that cause tetanus are usually found in dirt and soil, most often in areas with animal waste such as farms and ranches. Tetanus bacteria typically enter the body through a wound or cut. The bacteria that cause tetanus grow best only when they are not around oxygen. The deeper and narrower the wound, the less oxygen there is around it, and so tetanus is more likely. For example, the bacteria can thrive in a puncture wound from a dirty nail. The dirtier the wound, the higher the risk of getting tetanus. But tetanus can also grow in a clean wound.