What is the medical term for a tetanus shot?

Tetanus is an illness caused by a toxin made by bacteria that can enter through a wound. It can cause painful muscle tightening and difficulty opening the mouth, which is why it is sometimes called lockjaw. Vaccination trains the immune system to recognise the toxin without causing tetanus.

Protection can need scheduled booster doses because immune protection changes over time. The recommended plan depends on your age, previous records, the wound, and local clinical guidance.

Rinse a wound under clean running water, remove visible dirt gently, and cover it with a clean dressing. Contact a clinician promptly for a deep, puncture, crush, bite, or heavily contaminated wound, especially if your vaccination history is incomplete or uncertain.

A clinician may recommend Tetanus Vaccination after reviewing the injury and your records. Do not delay wound assessment while trying to confirm an old vaccination date.

Seek emergency care for trouble breathing or swallowing, severe muscle spasms, a stiff jaw, or rapidly worsening illness after a wound. Any wound with uncontrolled bleeding, loss of feeling, or a retained object also needs urgent attention.

Ask whether your wound needs a booster, whether another preventive treatment is needed, and how to complete or document your vaccination course.