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Tetanus - vaccine DefinitionThis immunization protects against tetanus (lockjaw), a disease caused by bacteria found in soil. Tetanus is characterized by muscle stiffness and spasm or "locking" of muscles of the jaw, neck, and limbs. It is a potentially fatal disease.
Vaccine InformationThere are 4 forms of tetanus immunization. See also diphtheria immunization (vaccine) and pertussis immunization (vaccine). The DTaP vaccine is a "3-in-1" vaccine that protects against diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus. It can be given to children less than 7 years old. It is injected, usually into the arm or the thigh. DTaP is a safer version of an older vaccine known as DTP. The DT vaccine is a "2-in-1" vaccine that can be given to children less than 7 years old. It does not contain pertussis vaccine, but does contain vaccine that protects against diphtheria and tetanus. It is injected, usually into the arm or thigh. The Td vaccine is the "adult" vaccine. It is a "2-in-1" vaccine that protects against tetanus and diphtheria. It contains a slightly different dose of diphtheria vaccine than the DT vaccine. It can be given to anyone older than 7 years old. It is injected, usually into the arm. Tetanus vaccine (T vaccine) can be given as a single vaccine, but this is not generally available. It is also injected, usually into the arm. Tetanus immune globulin is not actually a vaccine. It is a preparation that is made from serum (part of the blood) from a person or animal (such as a horse) that contains antibodies against tetanus. It provides immediate, short-term protection against the disorder, but does not provide long-term immunization. It can be used when someone is believed to have been exposed to the bacteria -- such as when a person steps on a rusty nail or gets cut outdoors in a situation where soil may have entered the wound.
Immunization ScheduleTetanus vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations and should begin during infancy. Tetanus immunization is generally required before starting school. Five doses of vaccine are recommended. DTaP or DT immunization is usually a series of injections given to children at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 15 to 18 months. A booster is given before starting school (age 4 to 6). DTaP is recommended, unless there is a reason that the child should not receive the pertussis vaccine (such as allergic reaction), in which case the DT should be given. After the initial series of immunizations, a booster of Td vaccine should be given at age 11 to 12 and every 10 years thereafter. T vaccine or a Td booster may be given to an adult receiving care for a wound or injury that breaks the skin. Typically, a booster is given if the wound is dirty and the last Td booster was given more than 5 years previous to the injury.
BenefitsNearly all people who receive a minimum of 3 injections of tetanus-containing vaccine will be protected against the disorder for at least 10 years. DTaP and DT vaccine can be safely given to infants.
RisksIt is much riskier to get tetanus than it is to get the vaccine. Mild reactions to DTaP are fairly common and include:
Moderate problems are uncommon and include:
Severe problems are very rare and include:
As with any medications or any vaccine, there is a chance of other serious complications, including death. This is rare after tetanus immunization. For almost all people, the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.
Delay Or Do Not Give (Containdications)If a child is sick with something more serious than a mild cold, DTaP may be delayed until the child is better. If a child has had any of the following after an earlier DTaP, consult with the health care provider before the child receives another injection of the vaccine:
Postimmunizatoion Symptoms And CareThe provider who gives the tetanus immunization may recommend measures to reduce normal postimmunization symptoms. Acetaminophen may be recommended to reduce fever and soreness. Some providers recommend a dose be given just prior to the injection to help avert common, minor side effects. Warmth (such as a warm, damp cloth or a heating pad) may reduce soreness. Frequently moving or using the arm or leg that has received the injection is recommended and often reduces the soreness. Adults who receive the Td or T vaccine (particularly if received more often than every 10 years) may experience soreness and swelling at the injection site, lasting for 2 or 3 days.
Call The Primary Health Care Provider IfUncertain whether tetanus-containing immunization should be given (see delay or contraindications). Complications or severe symptoms develop after tetanus immunization, including seizures; fever above 105 degrees F; difficulty breathing; or other signs of allergy, shock, or collapse; or uncontrolled crying that lasts for more than 3 hours at a time. Other symptoms develop after the tetanus immunization. There are other questions or concerns about tetanus immunization.
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Slight fever (about 1 in 4) 