According to the FDA, tetanus can cause muscle spasms, seizures, paralysis and even death. VaccineInformation.org notes that the tetanus vaccination is rarely given alone today. The most common version given to children is TDaP (which includes immunization against pertussis, tetanus and diphtheria). Your immunity to tetanus may decline over time, so booster doses are recommended every 10 years. If you receive a deep wound or puncture (or if your wound is contaminated with dirt), you may need an additional booster shot. Consult with your doctor if you are injured and feel you might have been exposed to tetanus.
Common Side Effects
The CDC reports that common or mild side effects of the TDaP immunization are fever, redness, soreness or swelling at the injection site, uncontrollable crying, decreased activity levels, or irritability. Other common side effects include vomiting and loss of appetite. These common/mild side effects usually last only a few days and do not interfere with daily activities or functioning.
Moderate and Serious Side Effects
VaccineInformation.org notes that moderate to serious reactions are uncommon with the DTaP vaccine given to children. The CDC reports that moderate reactions(which interfered with activities but did not require medical intervention) include: pain at injection site, redness or swelling, nausea, vomiting,stomach ache or diarrhea, or fever. Severe reactions (where people were unable to preform daily activities and required medical intervention) include crying for three hours or more, high fever, or seizures.
Warnings
People who have had a serious allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should not be given another vaccination, according to vaccineinformation.org. Contact your doctor if the person who received the vaccine experiences any of the following: seizures (within 3-7 days of injection), facial, throat or mouth swelling, difficulty breathing, shock or collapse (within 2 days of when vaccine was given).
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