Even though it happens rarely, people can still get tetanus and experience serious or deadly effects. There is no cure for tetanus, and no definitive proof that you will have lifelong immunity with childhood vaccinations alone.
Because of the widespread use of vaccines, cases of tetanus are rare in the United States and other parts of the developed world. The disease remains a threat to people who aren't up to date on their vaccinations. It's more common in developing countries.
Tetanus is a very rare disease. In the U.S., the odds of getting tetanus are approximately 1.5 per million. Since 70% of those who develop the disease fully recover, only 1 per 5 million will die.
Tetanus is rare in Australia because of high vaccination coverage.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that tetanus infection in a fully immunized person with the last dose within 10 years is extremely rare. The prevalence of localized tetanus in such a scenario is unknown.
You'll need tetanus immunoglobulin even if you're fully vaccinated against tetanus.
Once you are fully immunized, you are very unlikely to get tetanus. To become fully immunized, babies and children should get a series of six tetanus shots during childhood and adolescence. To stay fully immunized, the CDC recommends that adults receive a booster shot every 10 years.
Risk groups
The risk of death from tetanus is highest among people 60 years of age or older. Diabetes, a history of immunosuppression, and intravenous drug use may be risk factors for tetanus.
You can get it through a cut or other wound. Tetanus bacteria are common in soil, dust, and manure. The tetanus bacteria can infect a person even through a tiny scratch. But you're more likely to get tetanus through deep punctures from wounds created by nails or knives.
Careful cleaning of wounds, both deep and superficial, can substantially decrease the risk of tetanus.
The disease itself is rare in the United States because the tetanus vaccine is so effective and is regularly administered to our population. However, the bacteria that causes tetanus isn't rare, and its spores are found most commonly in dust, soil, feces and saliva.
“It's uncommon in the United States—there are about 30 reported cases each year. But nearly all those cases were in people who weren't vaccinated.” Other tetanus risk factors—besides being unvaccinated—include: A foreign object in a wound, such as a splinter or a nail.
Symptoms of tetanus may not begin to appear until a week after the injury, so as a rule of thumb, try to get the tetanus booster shot within 48 hours of the injury. If tetanus is left untreated, your body could face long-term complications such as airway obstruction, heart failure, muscle damage, and/or brain damage.
Do I need a tetanus shot for a small puncture? A: It depends. If the wound is small and clean, you probably don't need a tetanus shot. However, if the wound is large or dirty, you may need a booster shot.
The time between infection and the first sign of symptoms is about 7 to 21 days. Most cases of tetanus in the United States occur in those who have not been vaccinated against the disease.
The bacteria are usually found in soil, dust, and manure and enter the body through breaks in the skin — usually cuts or puncture wounds caused by contaminated objects.
Why Do Tetanus Shots Hurt? If you have received a tetanus shot and your arm is sore, you may be experiencing discomfort due to your body's production of antibodies in response to the viruses in the vaccine.
Apply first aid to even minor, non-infected wounds like blisters, scrapes, or any break in the skin. Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if washing is not possible. Consult your doctor if you have concerns and need further advice.
There's no cure for tetanus. A tetanus infection requires emergency and long-term supportive care while the disease runs its course. Treatment consists of wound care, medications to ease symptoms and supportive care, usually in an intensive care unit.
Tetanus can be prevented through immunization with tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccines (TTCV). However, people who recover from tetanus do not have natural immunity and can be infected again.
The symptoms of tetanus usually develop 4 to 21 days after infection. On average, they start after around 10 days. The main symptoms include: stiffness in your jaw muscles (lockjaw), which can make opening your mouth difficult.
Tetanus or lockjaw is a very serious and deadly disease caused by spores of bacteria found in the environment. A tetanus infection can lead to serious health problems such as being unable to open the mouth, trouble breathing, and muscle spasms. Tetanus does not spread from person to person.
Tetanus booster shots are recommended every 10 years to prevent infections. As long as you've received one dose of Tdap, boosters can be either a Tdap or Td shot. There's a catch-up schedule for adults who never received childhood tetanus shots. It's recommended the first catch-up dose be a Tdap shot.
Adults need a tetanus shot (tetanus booster) every 10 years. A booster shot is another dose of a vaccine that you get months or years after a previous dose. Providers call it a booster shot because it “boosts” your immune system again and helps your body protect you from illness.