Tetanus Shot: How Often Do You Need One
Generally, a tetanus shot is taken at an interval of 10 years in adults and periodically in children. When was the last time you had It? How often do you need one? What must be its frequency? Keep reading this article to know more about the same.
We all are aware of the fact that a cut from a rusty knife or a sharp object could cause a tetanus infection, a bacterial disease that affects our nervous system and is usually life-threatening in most of the cases. However, the tetanus bacteria can not only enter the body through deep wounds, injuries or cuts but also through a small pinprick, a scratch from an animal and even due to skin burn as the wounds are subject to the bacterial infection. Animal bites, abrasions (scrapping the knee when you fall off a cycle or bike), tattoo injuries and even in eye injuries can cause tetanus. Tetanus shot prevents the body from the fatal tetanus infection. However, it is believed to be one of the most painful vaccinations. The pain accompanied usually lasts for a day or two to about a week. It is the most urged vaccination for infants since it helps to develop resistance against the harmful bacteria at an early age.
Why Go for Tetanus Shots?
What is the dosage and frequency of tetanus shot. How often do you need it? That's the most important question that needs to be addressed. Basically, the frequency of tetanus shots and its dosage varies depending on the age of the person.
Tetanus Shot Frequency in Children
Tetanus vaccination helps to prevent certain diseases in children, without which your child may be at a risk of contracting these diseases. While playing in playgrounds, parks and gardens, children accidentally cut their knees and hands. Besides these, the animal droppings can also infect kids, if they accidentally come in contact with them. So, it's better to take precautions and go for the tetanus vaccination. Tetanus vaccine is usually given to kids as a part of the regular immunization program. The tetanus vaccine is given in combination with other vaccinations like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio, etc. A full vaccine plan for children generally consists of the following doses as mentioned in the table below.
| Course | Tetanus Shot Frequency | Combination Vaccines |
| Primary Course in Childhood | 3 doses of the vaccine in the 6th, 10th and 14th week after birth | Given along with DPT-Polio-Hib Vaccine |
| Fourth Dose | 3 years after the primary vaccination | Given as a part of DPT-Polio vaccination called pre-school booster |
| Fifth Dose | Given to children aged 13 to 18 years as school leaver booster | Td Polio vaccine |
In Adults...
Tetanus shots in adults is generally an extension of the vaccination that an individual has been administered during childhood. There is a high probability that if you haven't been immunized in your early childhood against tetanus, it may affect you in the later stages of life. A pregnant woman who hasn't received the booster vaccination for tetanus and delivers in unhygienic conditions, can risk the life of the baby. Also, people working in agricultural sector who frequently come in contact with manures, dirt, etc. require tetanus vaccination. The most frequent cases can be, if you have seriously injured or hurt yourself, then you may need a tetanus vaccination urgently. The general vaccination for adults is as follows.
| Course | Tetanus Shot Frequency | Vaccine |
| Initial course* | 3 doses of vaccine each one month apart | Td Polio Vaccine as a tetanus booster |
| Fourth Dose | 10 years after the initial course | Given as Td Polio vaccine |
| Fifth Dose | 10 years after fourth dose | As Td Polio vaccine |
Tetanus Shot Side Effects
Though tetanus shot is necessary, it has certain side effects. Some serious side effects of tetanus shot include seizures, numbness in the area of injection, allergies, headache and fatigue. Many of these rarely last longer, but in case the symptoms persist, a medical check up is a must.
The area where the tetanus shot is administered can remain sore for 1-2 days. The pain accompanied in these shots is generally administered by giving medicines like ibuprofen; however, it is advised to consult the medical expert before taking pain killers based on our own knowledge. In extreme side effects of tetanus shots, an individual may feel immense pain and loss of muscles in the upper arm(s). Although such cases are rare, it is best advised to consult a medical healthcare in such situations.
Tetanus shot is a vaccination that is essential for people of all ages especially for people working in sectors like agriculture and industrial/manufacturing units. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw can cause severe muscle spasms and breathing problems, in case it affects a person. So it is best to take precautions and get vaccinated against tetanus.
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