Tetanus is a bacterial infection that causes painful muscle spasms and can lead to death. The tetanus vaccine has made tetanus a preventable disease. Thanks to its widespread use, lockjaw has become very rare in the U.S. Even so, many adults in the U.S. need to be vaccinated against tetanus.

You cannot get tetanus from another person. You can get it through a cut or other wound. Tetanus bacteria are commonly present in soil, dust, and manure. The tetanus bacteria can infect you even through a tiny scratch. You are more likely to get tetanus through deep punctures from wounds created by nails or knives.

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

Tetanus symptoms result from a toxin produced by tetanus bacteria. Symptoms often begin around a week after infection. But this may range from three days to three weeks. The most common symptom is a stiff jaw, which can become "locked." This is why the disease came to be called lockjaw.

Symptoms of tetanus may include:

    * Headache

    * Muscle stiffness, starting in the jaw, then the neck and the arms, legs, or abdomen

    * Trouble swallowing

    * Restlessness and irritability

    * Sore throat

    * Sweating and fever

    * Palpitations and high or low blood pressure

If not treated, tetanus can cause death from suffocation.

How and when should you receive the tetanus vaccine?

You receive tetanus shots in the deltoid (shoulder) muscle. If you did not receive a tetanus vaccine as a child, you should start with a three-dose primary series protecting against both tetanus and diphtheria (Td). You receive this over a period of seven to 12 months. If you are younger than 65, one of these doses should also include protection against pertussis (whooping cough). This three-in-one combination for adults is called Tdap. Vaccination against pertussis is especially important for those in direct contact with young infants or patients. 

After receiving the primary series, get a Td booster every 10 years.

Which adults should receive the tetanus vaccine?

You should have a tetanus shot if you:

    * Did not receive a primary series of tetanus shots as a child.

    * Have not had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years.

    * You have recovered from tetanus (lockjaw) disease. 

Are there any adults who should not get the tetanus vaccine?

It is OK to receive the tetanus vaccine during pregnancy. However, you should discuss the risks of the pertussis vaccine with your doctor. If possible, get the Tdap vaccine before you become pregnant. Usually Td is given to pregnant women needing tetanus vaccination.

People who have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous tetanus vaccine in the past or have a severe allergy to any component of a vaccine should not get the vaccine.  

If you have a history of coma, or seizures within a week following a tetanus vaccine that contains pertussis components, get Td vaccines only. Talk to your doctor if you have a history of epilepsy or other nervous system problems, severe pain or swelling in the past after a previous tetanus vaccine, or a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome.

What are the tetanus vaccine ingredients?

The vaccines are made up of tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis toxins that have been made nontoxic but they still have the ability to create an immune response. These vaccines do not contain live bacteria.

Are there any dangers or side effects associated with the tetanus vaccine?

It's important to know that in general the risk of problems from getting tetanus is much greater than getting a tetanus vaccine.  You cannot get tetanus from the tetanus shot. However, sometimes the tetanus vaccine can cause mild side effects. These may include:

    * Soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of the injection

    * Fever

    * Headache or body aches

    * Fatigue  

A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) is also very rare, but can result within minutes of being vaccinated. Symptoms may include:

    * Skin flushing, itching, or swelling

    * Trouble breathing or other respiratory symptoms

    * Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal cramping

    * Dizziness, low blood pressure, a fast heartbeat

If you have any signs of a severe reaction:

    * Call the doctor or get to a doctor right away.

    * Describe when you had the vaccine and what occurred.

    * Have a health care professional report the reaction.