The tetanus vaccine is routinely given to children in the early months of life and is part of a shot that immunizes children against diphtheria, whopping cough and tetanus, states the Mayo Clinic. A newborn is likely to receive the shot three times during her first year of life, followed by a booster shot after her first birthday and again before kindergarten. The Mayo Clinic suggests that adults get boosters every 10 years or in preparation for traveling to other countries. The vaccines are generally considered to be safe, but receiving the vaccine is associated with some risk of side effects.
Common Problems
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that several mild problems that are commonly associated with this vaccine. The CDC states that one in four children will have a fever after receiving the vaccine. It is also common to experience redness or swelling where the shot was administered. The injection is put into a muscle, which causes soreness or tenderness for one or more days after the injection.
Follow-up or booster shots can cause other mild problems, including fussiness, tiredness, appetite changes, vomiting or the swelling of the entire arm or leg where the shot was given, indicates the CDC.
Moderate Problems
The CDC suggests that moderate problems are uncommon. These include seizures consisting of jerking or staring, prolonged crying that lasts three hours or more, or a fever higher than 105 degrees Fahrenheit. Any moderate problems should be reported to a doctor, as should any concerning effects.
Severe Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, severe side effects of the tetanus vaccine are possible, but they are not very common. The incidence rate of such effects, as indicated by the CDC, is less than one out of each one million doses. Any severe effects should be reported to a medical professional right away. These include seizures; trouble breathing; and any other signs of allergy, shock or collapse, as indicated by Drugs.com. The CDC suggests serious effects are hard to be attributed to the vaccine because of the rareness of occurrence. Long-term seizures are possible, as is lowered consciousness states or permanent brain damage, as indicated by the CDC.
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