How to prevent tetanus

Tetanus is caused by a toxin made by bacteria that can enter through broken skin. Puncture wounds, burns, crush injuries, animal bites, and wounds contaminated with soil or saliva can provide an entry point. The toxin affects the nervous system and may cause painful muscle stiffness or spasms, often beginning around the jaw and neck.

A wound can look small while still needing a vaccination review. Previous vaccination, the type of wound, and the time since your last dose all affect the advice. Tetanus does not spread from person to person, so prevention focuses on immunisation and safe wound care.

Wash your hands, then rinse the wound under clean running water and remove visible dirt gently. Cover it with a clean dressing and change the dressing if it becomes wet or dirty. Avoid putting unclean substances into the wound or closing a deep, dirty wound yourself.

Check your vaccination record and contact a clinician promptly if the wound is deep, punctured, contaminated, caused by a bite, or your vaccination history is uncertain. A clinician may recommend a Tetanus Vaccination or other preventive treatment based on the injury and your immunisation history.

Seek urgent medical care for uncontrolled bleeding, loss of sensation, severe pain, a wound with exposed bone or tendon, a serious bite, or signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever. Get immediate help for muscle spasms, trouble swallowing, or difficulty breathing. Do not wait for tetanus symptoms before asking about prevention, because vaccination decisions are most useful soon after a risk injury.

Ask when your last tetanus-containing vaccine was given, whether this wound changes the recommendation, whether you need a booster or additional protection, and how to monitor the injury while it heals.