Tetanus and diphtheria shot

Tetanus bacteria can enter through broken skin, especially when a wound is deep or contaminated. Diphtheria can spread between people and may affect the throat and breathing. The shot presents vaccine material so your immune system can build or refresh protection; it cannot treat tetanus or diphtheria that is already developing.

A clinician considers the wound, your previous doses, the time since earlier vaccination and your general health. Some people may need a different combined product or additional treatment, so the name of the shot alone does not determine the plan.

For an injury, rinse visible dirt away with clean running water and cover the area while arranging medical advice. Do not delay assessment for a deep puncture, bite, crush injury or wound containing soil or metal. Tell the clinician about allergies, immune conditions, pregnancy, medicines and any previous vaccine reaction.

After vaccination, keep the injection site clean and use gentle arm movement. Soreness, warmth, mild swelling, tiredness or a low fever can occur. Follow the clinician's advice about symptom relief and return for any planned follow-up dose.

Call emergency services for difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, widespread hives, collapse or a rapidly worsening reaction after the shot. Seek prompt care for a wound that is deep, dirty, numb, bleeding heavily, difficult to move, or increasingly painful and red. A sore throat with trouble breathing or swallowing needs urgent assessment; see [Sore Throat](/symptoms/sore-throat/) for related guidance.

Ask which vaccine is suitable, whether your record shows enough earlier protection, whether the wound needs additional care, and which changes at the injection site are expected. Confirm when to return and how to report a reaction that appears later.