What You Should Know About Tetanus Shots

We've all had them and we all hate them: Tetanus Shots. I spent Friday night in the emergency room with a laceration to my left hand. It bought me some steri-strips, sodium chloride and the dreaded Tetanus shot. As a nurse, I pretty much knew what to expect going in, but as the night progressed I realized the nurses and doctors didn't do much "patient teaching" as we call it. Perhaps it was because I was wearing my Ohio University Nursing shirt and they figured I knew the stuff, but they should have covered the bases regardless. Here is some information anyone (everyone) who has to have a Tetanus shot should know.

Do I Need A Tetanus Shot?

Yes. Everyone should have a Tetanus shot. It protects you from Tetanus, a severe nervous system condition that causes very painful muscle spasms. Another name for Tetanus is lock jaw. Infants can (and should) get a Tetanus shot in the DTaP (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) vaccine. Older children (above the age of 10) can receive the Tdap vaccine. Adults should receive a booster every 10 years. If you get a puncture wound or deep cut and it has been more than 5 years since your last booster it is best to get one.

How Do You Get Tetanus?

Tetanus is a result of the spore Colstridium Tetani entering the body through an open wound. It is usually found in dust, soil and animal wastes. Tetanus can enter through wounds as tiny as pinpricks, but usually through deep puncture wounds or cuts. Some of the most common methods of injury are nail punctures and knife cuts.

Where Is The Shot Given?

In adults, the injection will be given in the Deltoid muscle. This is the large muscle in the arm. You can locate the area by feeling for the Acromian Process (the hard "shelf"-like part of the shoulder) and going down 2-3 finger widths from that point. This is where the injection will be administered. In infants, it will be given in the outer part of the thigh. The nurse will quickly insert the needle with a swift, dart-like motion and then should pull back on the plunger of the syringe. This is called aspirating; an important step in giving intramuscular injections. This checks for blood return: if there is blood pulled back, the needle must be removed and a new injection prepared. The vaccine is to enter the muscle mass, not the blood stream. Entering the blood stream rapidly can cause adverse effects.

What Are The Side Effects of The Tetanus Shot?

The most common side effects usually starts to show up 8-12 hours after the injection. The injection site will be sore to the touch as will surrounding muscle mass. Remember, Tetanus is a disease that affects muscle. Your arm will most likely hurt to move for 24-48 hours after the injection. Keep in mind this little bit of pain in your arm is a lot better than having it throughout your body! Other side effects include redness and swelling of the injection site, general body aches and tiredness. More serious side effects can include fever and severe pain, but are uncommon.

What Else Should I Know?

The Tetanus vaccine is a live, inactivated vaccine.There are conflicting schools of thought as to whether pregnant women should or should not receive the tetanus vaccine. It is possible that it can cause harm to the fetus. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant talk with your doctor to get all the facts and their professional opinion.

Be sure to ask the doctors and nurses any questions you may have. We're here to help and we sometimes don't know what you want to know if you don't ask. Tetanus shots can be a painful experience, but given the alternative, definitely worth it.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes only. 
It is not meant to provide medical treatment or advice. Please 
see or speak with a doctor for questions or concerns regarding 
your health.