Staying Up to Date with Tetanus Shots

For many of us, getting a tetanus shot is a vague childhood memory highlighted by a sore shoulder at the site of the injection. While the majority of Americans (80.6%) complete the necessary vaccines for tetanus by the age of 24 months, we’re not so great at getting the necessary boosters. In fact, just over half of older U.S. adults are current on their tetanus needs.

While it’s true that deaths from tetanus have dropped by 99% since 1940, it is still possible to contract the disease through a scratch or break in the skin. And no, it doesn’t have to be a rusty nail. The bacterium that causes tetanus (Clostridium tetani) is found in soil, dust, and manure and can enter the body through even minor cuts or breaks in the skin.

Common symptoms of tetanus include:

Headache

Muscle contractions, particularly of the jaw (lockjaw) and neck muscles

Seizures

Difficulty swallowing, speaking, or breathing

Stiffening of muscles

Paralysis

As the disease progresses, other signs and symptoms may include:

High blood pressure

Low blood pressure

Rapid heart rate

Fever

Excessive sweating

Left untreated, tetanus can lead to serious and even fatal complications including heart attack, breathing difficulties, laryngospasm (uncontrolled tightening of the vocal cords), pulmonary embolism (a blockage of the main artery in the lung or one of its branches caused by a blood clot), aspiration pneumonia, and broken bones caused by severe muscle spasms.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one fourth of deaths caused by tetanus are diabetic patients who, due to their condition, are more vulnerable to bacterial infections. In addition, the slow healing nature of diabetic foot ulcers increases the potential exposure time and, with it, the risk of tetanus.  

The CDC recommends all adults get a tetanus booster every 10 years. Given in combination with vaccines that protect against other bacterial infections, boosters may be referred to Td, DTaP or Tdap, depending upon whether the vaccine also treats diphtheria and/or whooping cough (pertussis).

If it’s been more than 10 years since your last tetanus shot—or if you simply can’t remember when you had it—contact your healthcare provider. Vaccines can be given at most doctor’s offices and are also available at many pharmacies without a prescription.

Dr. Marie George, MD is an Infectious Disease Specialist in Southwestern Vermont Healthcare in Bennington, VT.