Tetanus Vaccination: Do I Need A Tetanus Shot?

“Most people associate tetanus shots with stepping on a rusty nail. While this situation would certainly call for a tetanus vaccination, there is a wide variety of injuries for which a tetanus shot is justified”.

-Dr. Bella Zimilevich, MD

Do you know when you received your last tetanus vaccination? As adults, few people think about their tetanus status until they are injured and are asked about it. Then they are forced to try to recall when they had their last tetanus shot. If they can’t remember, and there is no way to find out, they may be given a vaccination that they don’t need. This scenario can be avoided by writing the date of your last tetanus vaccination and putting it in your wallet.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus, commonly referred to as lockjaw, is caused by bacteria (Clostridium tetani) that are commonly found in the soil, dust and manure. It can also be transmitted through bites from animals. The term lockjaw came about because tetanus causes extreme muscle spasms and paralysis that often affects the jaw first, causing the jaw to become ‘locked’. The bacteria enter the body through a break in the skin and produce a toxin that travels along the nerves from the muscles. The condition is very painful and can affect the muscles that control breathing. Tetanus can be fatal. Fortunately, a vaccine is available to prevent tetanus.

What types of wounds require a tetanus shot?

Puncture wounds, such as the tiny but deep wounds that occur from stepping on a dirty or rusty nail, are most often associated with tetanus, but virtually any break in the skin can become a portal for the bacteria that cause tetanus. A common myth is that a wound that bleeds heavily prevents tetanus by washing away the bacteria that cause the condition, but this is simply not true. Even a simple scratch that breaks the skin can result in tetanus.

How often do I need a tetanus shot?

As a child you were probably vaccinated against tetanus with a series of shots during childhood. However, the immunity you gain from being immunized as a child does not last a lifetime. You should be immunized against tetanus every ten years in adulthood.

If you have suffered a wound and it has been more than 5 years since your last tetanus booster, I will generally recommend that you have a tetanus shot. In addition, I will thoroughly clean the wound. I may prescribe antibiotics depending on the injury circumstances, the location and the nature of the wound.

If you work in agriculture, construction, emergency services or another area where the risk of injury is high, it’s a good idea to keep track of when you received your last tetanus shot.

This can be of help if you find yourself in an emergency situation where you may be asked about your tetanus status.

If you are injured and are unsure of your tetanus status, or whether your wound warrants a tetanus booster, make an appointment and come in to see me so that I can evaluate your wound and determine your need for a tetanus vaccine.

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