Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is a disease in which the muscles painfully contract and spasm. It can result in breathing problems and even death. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), the condition is characterized by neck and abdominal stiffness, swallowing difficulties and severe spasms in the muscles. Injection of the vaccine can prevent tetanus, even after exposure to contaminated material. Tetanus is not contagious.
Common Side Effects
Common side effects of the vaccine, according to the CDC, affect approximately 1 in 4 people vaccinated. These side effects include fever, and redness, swelling, soreness, and/or tenderness at the site of vaccination. Many doctors recommend using a common pain reliever, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help lessen the pain from these symptoms.
Less Common Side Effects
Less common side effects experienced by people vaccinated with the tetanus vaccine include fatigue and vomiting. About 1 in 10 people vaccinated experience fatigue, and only about 1 in 20 experience vomiting as a side effect.
Rare Side Effects
There are also side effects that are rare as well as serious. Occasionally, children may experience seizure, uncontrollable crying, and high fever (greater than 105 degrees). Extremely rare side effects include long-term seizures, coma, diminished consciousness and brain damage. These side effects affect only 1 person in 1 million. Because extreme side effects of the vaccine are so rare, the CDC recommends that all children and adults receive tetanus vaccinations.
