Tetanus is a disease that has the potential to be life-threatening. MayoClinic.com describes it as a bacterial disease caused by a toxin that can stiffen the jaw muscles, other nearby muscle groups and can make breathing difficult. Vaccinating against the disease is common practice in the United States. As with any immunization, there are some possible risks. The tetanus shot typically contains other materials to prevent diphtheria and whooping cough.
Allergy
Nearly any vaccine can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals. This is not a common effect of immunizations, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that no patient should receive a second tetanus shot, if a prior one caused a severe allergic reaction. Previous allergic reactions to other vaccines should be discussed with a health care provider before another tetanus shot is given. In some cases, the reaction is due to proteins found in the materials that grow the bacteria, such as eggs. The ingredients in each vaccine varies, depending on if it contains only the tetanus materials or other diseases. Moderate to severe allergic reactions can include swelling in the facial areas, trouble breathing, hoarseness, wheezing, hives, rapid heart rate or dizziness. Less-severe allergic response includes itching of the throat and the skin. Any negative reaction should be reported to the health care provider who administered the shot.
Injection Site Side Effects
Tetanus shots are administered into muscular tissues in the body, typically the arm or the thigh. As a result, some tenderness is to be expected. Severe pain is not common but is possible, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Severe injection side effects include persistent swelling, severe pain and redness that lasts where the shot was given.
Existing Conditions
Individuals with certain health conditions can experience an exacerbation of symptoms if the tetanus shot is given. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that minor illnesses, like a cold, won't be made worse by the immunization. Other more significant illnesses, such as the flu, may require postponing the shot.
Previous Adverse Reaction
Children or individuals who had certain responses to the first injection of tetanus, like a brain or nervous system disease, seizure, crying for more than three hours or a fever of more than 105 degrees F, should not be given additional tetanus shots, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These reactions are not common with the tetanus vaccine, specifically the diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis, or DTaP, vaccine. Receiving additional tetanus shots after experiencing one of these serious--but rare--side effects is likely to result in the same adverse reaction.
Mild Side Effects
There are several mild side effects the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider to be common after the tetanus or DTaP vaccine, including a mild fever, fussiness, fatigue, appetite changes and vomiting. These effects disappear within three days of the shot.
Moderate and Severe Side Effects
Moderate and severe side effects of the tetanus shot are very rare, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For example, seizures may occur in about 1 child out of 14,000 who receive the injection. Other moderate effects include crying for more than three hours or a fever of more than 105 degrees F. Even less likely are severe side effects like long-term seizures, coma or permanent brain damage.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Tetanus, Diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) What You Need to Know
- MayoClinic.com:Tetanus
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vaccines: VPD-VAC/Who Should NOT Get Vaccinated?
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Diphtheria Tetanus and Pertussis: What You Need to Know
