Tetanus is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. A tetanus shot or vaccine can help protect people against developing this infection. There are three tetanus shots available as of 2010: DTaP, a shot that prevents tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria in children under 7 years of age; Tdap, a shot that prevents tetanus, pertussis and diphtheria in adolescents and adults; and Td, a shot that prevents tetanus and diphtheria in adults. Patients should be aware of the risks of a tetanus shot before receiving any of these vaccines.
Allergic Reaction
Approximately one in one million people are at risk of developing a severe allergic reaction after receiving a tetanus shot, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People who are hypersensitive to this shot typically develop allergic reaction symptoms within a few minutes of treatment. These allergic reaction or anaphylaxis symptoms include wheezing, shortness or breath, heart rate irregularities, pale skin, hives, dizziness or hoarseness. Anyone who develops an allergic reaction following treatment with a tetanus shot requires immediate medical intervention to prevent potentially life-threatening medical complications.
Injection Site Reaction
Receipt of a tetanus shot elevates a patient's risk of developing a reaction at the injection site. Pain, one of the most common injection site reactions, can affect approximately 25 to 80 percent of patients, depending upon which tetanus shot they receive, the CDC reports. Alternate injection site side effects of a tetanus shot include redness, swelling or inflammation. These side effects typically diminish within a few days after patients receive a tetanus shot.
Flulike Symptoms
Flulike symptoms are a potential risk associated with receiving a tetanus shot. These side effects can include fever, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, body aches, chills, skin rash or swollen lymph glands. Approximately one in every 16,000 children develops high fever symptoms following treatment with the DTaP vaccine, the Immunization Action Coalition warns. Children who develop any type of fever, but especially a high fever that exceeds 105 degrees F, should be evaluated by a medical professional immediately. A persistent or unusually high fever can cause brain damage in certain people.
Fussiness
Up to one-third of children who receive the DTaP vaccine experience unusual fussiness after treatment. Affected children may be cranky or cry for longer periods of time than normal. If a child cries persistently for more than three hours, a parent or caregiver should take him to a doctor immediately for further evaluation and care.
Seizure
Seizure is a rare risk of a DTaP tetanus shot, affecting approximately one in every 14,000 children, the CDC reports. Symptoms of a seizure can include unusual jerking or twitching of the body, staring or loss of consciousness. Patients who experience seizure symptoms after receiving this tetanus shot should contact a physician as soon as possible.
