A tetanus shot lasts for 10 years.
If youre unsure when you had your last tetanus shot, consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
Tetanus infection is rare, especially if you are up to date on your vaccinations.
Less than 50 tetanus cases are reported each year in the United States.
Because of this, the CDC advises getting a booster shot every 10 years.
Some researchers suggest that adults who had all their childhood vaccines might not need more tetanus shots.
A study compared countries with and without booster shot requirements and found no difference in tetanus cases.
If youre unsure about yourvaccine schedule, talk to your doctor.
How Long After a Cut Should You Get a Shot?
For minor cuts, a shot is not necessary if you’re up to date on your vaccinations.
When Do Tetanus Symptoms Begin?
Once infected, it takes about 7 to 21 days for tetanus symptoms to show up.
If a wound seems suspicious and your shots are not up to date, dont wait to see symptoms.
Its better to get a booster right away.
Teens are advised to get a booster Tdap shot between 11 years and 12 years.
Adults:Adults can get a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.
Thereafter, they can follow the general guidelines for all adults.
Pregnant people:Pregnant people should get the Tdap vaccine during each pregnancy to protect themselves and the fetus.
Getting vaccinated during each pregnancy helps pass on more protective antibodies to the baby.
What’s the Difference Between Tdap and DTaP?
Tdap is for older children, teens, and adults.
Both vaccines protect against the same diseases, but they are formulated differently for each age group.
What Are the Odds of Getting Tetanus?
The odds of getting tetanus are very low.
Fewer than 50 people in the United States get tetanus every year.
About one in 10 of those cases are fatal.
Despite the low risk, anyone can get tetanus.
Tetanus cannot be spread from person to person.
Many people associate tetanus with a wound exposed to rust.
Can Cleaning a Cut Prevent Tetanus?
Cleaning a cut well can significantly lower the risk of tetanus, but it doesnt always prevent it.
Some people also experience spasms in the chest, neck, back, and abdominal muscles.
Back spasms often cause severe back arching (opisthotonos).
The spasms may also interfere with breathing.
Episodes of prolonged spasms are calledtetany.
These episodes can occur suddenly and be very painful.
Tetanus can’t be cured, so once it starts, the disease must run its course.
Treatment involves managing symptoms and complications until the toxin’s effects wear off.
Summary
Tetanus shots protect for about 10 years.
Most adults should get a booster every 10 years to stay protected.
Warning signs of tetanus include muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing, and jaw locking.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Td (tetanus, diptheria) VIS.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Tetanus surveillance and trends.
Harvard Health Publishing.Do adults really need tetanus booster shots?.
2021 Jan;72(2):285-292. doi:10.1093/cid/ciaa017
Kaiser Permanente.Preventing tetanus infections.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About tetanus.
World Health Organization.Tetanus: Immunization.
