Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a life-threatening disease caused by a bacterium called Clostridium tetani. It lives in the soil and enters the body through cuts in the skin. Once inside the body, a toxin produced by these bacteria causes dangerous muscle spasms, leading to difficulties breathing. According to "Rosen's Emergency Medicine," tetanus kills up to one million people worldwide every year. The disease is rare in the United States, thanks to widespread use of tetanus shots.
Types
There are two different types of tetanus shots: tetanus toxoid and tetanus immunoglobulin. The toxoid form, often called DTaP, is most commonly used in combination with diphtheria and pertussis vaccines as part of routine childhood vaccinations. The toxoid form is also used for booster shots in adults, where it is called Td. The tetanus immunoglobulin, or TIG, is a blood product made from human plasma. It is used for protection when people have a tetanus-prone injury and never received their childhood vaccines, or as treatment for victimsof active tetanus disease.
Time Frame
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children receive a tetanus shot at the age of two months, four months and six months. Children should receive a fourth dose between 15 and 18 months of age, and a fifth dose between the ages of 4 and 6. A tetanus booster is recommended for children between 11 and 12 years of age. Thereafter, adults need booster shots every 10 years.
Considerations
As people get older, immunity from the tetanus shot decreases. According to the CDC, if adults get a high-risk cut more than five years after their most recent booster shot, they should get another booster shot as well. High-risk cuts include particularly deep wounds, wounds that are contaminated with dirt or saliva, and crush injuries.
Side Effects
The tetanus shot is a safe vaccine with a low rate of serious side effects. The most common side effect of the tetanus shot is pain and mild swelling at the site of the injection. Mild fevers, headaches, tiredness, and nausea are less common but do occur. Rarely, severe allergic reactions may occur. These reactions can cause severe swelling around the mouth and tongue, which blocks the airways and prevents people from breathing.
Warning
Several groups of people should not get the tetanus shot. According to the CDC, anyone with a previous serious allergic reaction to a tetanus shot should not get another. Also, people with a history of a nerve disease called Guillain-Barre Syndrome should tell a doctor before getting the shot. If a high fever or major illness is present, the vaccine should be delayed until the person is feeling better.
References
- 'Rosen's Emergency Medicine, 7th Ed."; John A. Marx, MD; 2009.
- US CDC Vaccine Schedule
