There are three tetanus shots available in the United States as of 2010: Td, Tdap and DTaP. These combination vaccines can be used to prevent tetanus and diphtheria infections, or tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis infections. The potential dangers of a tetanus shot should be discussed with a medical professional before a patient receives this immunization.
Side Effects
Patients who receive a tetanus shot are in danger of developing side effects. The most common mild to moderate side effect is an injection site reaction. Approximately 25 to 80 percent of patients who receive a tetanus vaccine experience pain or soreness at the injection site, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Patients may also develop swelling, redness , inflammation or tenderness at the site of vaccination. Additional side effects can include a mild fever, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. These side effects can arise shortly after receipt of a tetanus shot, but typically subside within a few days of treatment. Patients who develop persistent or high fever side effects should contact a doctor for further evaluation and care.
Seizures, Brain Damage or Coma
Severe reactions to a tetanus vaccine are rare, but can increase a patient's risk of experiencing seizures, brain damage or coma, warns the CDC. A high fever that exceeds 105 degrees F can result in brain inflammation or swelling, which can lead to brain cell death or damage. A seizure occurs when the normal electrical activity within the brain is momentarily interrupted. Approximately 1 in 14,000 children who receive a DTaP tetanus shot develop seizure symptoms, such as involuntary limb spasms, confusion or decreased consciousness, notes the CDC. These dangers of a tetanus shot can cause long-term complications in affected patients.
Nerve Damage
During clinical trials for the Tdap vaccine, two adult patients developed nerve damage following receipt of this vaccine, which resolved shortly after treatment, the CDC explains. Nerve damage dangers rarely occur after a tetanus shot, but patients who experience unusual tingling or numbness within the limbs should talk with a doctor.
Allergic Reaction
A tetanus shot can put a patient in danger of developing a severe allergic reaction, explains the KidsHealth website. Allergic reaction symptoms include breathing difficulties, dizziness, heart rate irregularities, hives, dizziness and throat, oral or facial swelling. Less than 1 in 1 million people develop an allergic reaction after receiving a tetanus shot, the CDC explains. Affected patients require immediate, emergency medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.
