What should you know about your first tetanus shot?

Tetanus, sometimes called lockjaw, is an illness caused by a bacterial toxin. The bacteria can get into punctures, cuts, burns, or wounds contaminated with soil or saliva. The toxin can cause painful muscle tightening, including stiffness around the jaw and difficulty swallowing. Vaccination prepares immune defences before exposure; it does not remove dirt or bacteria from a wound.

Rinse the wound under clean running water, gently remove visible dirt, and cover it with a clean dressing. Do not push deep objects out of the wound. Tell a clinician when the injury happened, how it occurred, and whether you remember previous tetanus doses. A clinician may recommend a vaccine dose, a follow-up schedule, or additional protection depending on the wound and your vaccination history. Learn more about [Tetanus Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/tetanus-vaccination/).

Arrange prompt medical assessment for a deep, dirty, crushed, burn, or puncture wound, especially when your vaccination history is uncertain. Seek emergency help for trouble breathing or swallowing, severe muscle spasms, rapidly spreading redness, uncontrolled bleeding, or signs of shock. A routine injection reaction such as a sore arm can be monitored, but facial swelling or breathing difficulty needs urgent help.

Ask which vaccine is appropriate, whether you need more doses to complete protection, how to care for this wound, and which symptoms should trigger an urgent review.