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Tetanus Vaccine: Questions and Answers

Often called lockjaw, tetanus is a bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms and can lead to death. The tetanus vaccine has made tetanus a preventable disease. Thanks to its widespread use, lockjaw has become very rare in the U.S. Even so, many adults in the U.S. need to be vaccinated against tetanus.

You cannot get tetanus from another person. You can get it through a cut or other wound. Tetanus bacteria are commonly present in soil, dust, water, and manure. The tetanus bacteria can infect you even through a tiny scratch. But you are more likely to get tetanus through deep punctures from wounds created by nails or knives. The bacteria travels via blood or nerves to your central nervous system.

Recommended Related to Adult Vaccines

Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Vaccine (Td, Tdap) for Adults

Tdap is a combination vaccine that protects against three potentially life-threatening bacterial diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Td is a booster vaccine for tetanus and diphtheria. It does not protect against pertussis. Tetanus infects the body through a wound or cut. It affects the brain and nervous system and causes extremely painful muscle spasms. Spasms of the jaw can make it impossible for you to open your mouth. This condition is often called "lockjaw." Tetanus...

Read the Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis Vaccine (Td, Tdap) for Adults article > >

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

Tetanus symptoms result from a toxin produced by tetanus bacteria. Symptoms often begin around a week after infection. But this may range from three days to three weeks. The most common symptom is a stiff jaw, which can become "locked." This is how the disease came to be called lockjaw.

Symptoms of tetanus may include:

Headache
Muscle stiffness, starting in the jaw, then the neck and the arms, legs, or abdomen
Trouble swallowing
Restlessness and irritability
Sore throat
Sweating and fever
Palpitations and high or low blood pressure
Muscle spasms in the face, causing a steady smile or grin

If not treated, tetanus can cause death from suffocation.

How and when should you receive the tetanus vaccine?

You receive tetanus shots in the deltoid (shoulder) muscle. If you did not receive a tetanus vaccine as a child, you should start with a three-dose primary series protecting against both tetanus and diphtheria (Td). You receive this over a period of seven to 12 months. If you are younger than 65, one of these doses should also include protection against pertussis (whooping cough). This three-in-one combination for adults and children 11 or older is called Tdap. Vaccination against pertussis is especially important for those in direct contact with young infants or patients.

After receiving the primary series, get a Td booster every 10 years.