Tetanus
What is it?
Tetanus (also called “lockjaw”) is a serious, often deadly disease caused by bacteria. The bacteria produce a toxin that causes painful tightening of the muscles, usually all over the body. This can lead to “locking” of a person’s jaw so they cannot open their mouth or swallow. Symptoms can also include headache, fever, seizures, and changes in blood pressure and heart rate. Tetanus is spread by contact with contaminated objects and substances, usually through broken skin. Thankfully, there’s a vaccine to protect against tetanus.
Why is the vaccine important?
Unlike most vaccine-preventable diseases, tetanus is not a disease that you catch from someone else. Tetanus bacteria live in our environment, including in soil and dust, and usually enter the body through a scrape or cut. Complications from tetanus include:
- Fractures (broken bones)
- Tightening of the vocal cords
- Blood clots in the lungs
- Lung infection
Once tetanus has spread throughout the body, there is also a chance of death. In fact, 10 – 20% of cases are fatal. Tetanus infection does not lead to immunity. People who survive a tetanus infection can get reinfected. Vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus.
Tetanus is extremely dangerous for pregnant people and newborn babies. Also at greater risk are people aged 60 and older, people with diabetes, and people with a history of immunosuppression.
Progress
Widespread use of the tetanus vaccines has helped curb infection rates. In the U.S. tetanus cases dropped from 500 a year in the 1940s to about 30 cases a year in 2018.
Vaccine Recommendations
The DTaP and Tdap vaccines prevent three diseases with one shot: diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). The vaccines are recommended for different groups based on age and health condition:
Children
- Children should get 5 total doses of DTaP vaccine, 1 dose at each of the following ages: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15 – 18 months, and 4 – 6 years.
Teens
- Teens should receive 1 dose of Tdap vaccine at age 11 or 12 years.
Pregnant People
- Pregnant people should receive 1 dose of Tdap vaccine with each pregnancy at 27 – 36 weeks. This allows the person to pass disease-fighting antibodies on to their baby to protect them after birth.
Adults
- Adults who have never received a dose of Tdap should receive one. Adults should receive 1 booster dose of Tdap every 10 years.
Make sure those in close contact with your infant are current with Tdap vaccination. This helps shield or "cocoon" newborns from whooping cough.
Side Effects
Vaccines, like any medicine, can cause side effects (also known as "adverse reactions"). Most side effects are mild and go away within a few days. Common side effects include fever, headache, or body aches. They can also include redness where a shot was given and tiredness. Side effects are normal. They can even be a good sign that the immune system is working to build antibodies that will fight off future infections!
For the DTaP vaccine, side effects may also include loss of appetite and vomiting. More serious reactions like seizures, high fever (over 105°), and non-stop crying are also possible, but these are uncommon. Swelling of the entire limb in which the vaccine was given is also a rare side effect. If this occurs, it is usually after the 4th or 5th dose.
For the Tdap vaccine nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomachache may also occur.
Remember, vaccines are continuously studied. They are also closely monitored for safety. Research continues to show that vaccines are safe, and the benefits outweigh the risks. The risk of a severe allergic reaction to a vaccine is rare (about 1 in 1 million). The choice not to vaccinate is ultimately more risky. Not vaccinating may lead to catching a potentially deadly disease.
Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about vaccine side effects. In the event of a serious allergic reaction, call 9-1-1.
