What should you know about the tetanus shot vaccine?

Tetanus, also called lockjaw, is caused by a toxin made by bacteria that can enter through broken skin. The toxin can cause painful muscle tightening, trouble opening the mouth, difficulty swallowing, and breathing problems. Vaccination prepares the immune system to recognise the toxin. It does not treat established tetanus, and it does not replace cleaning a wound or assessing damage to tissue.

Rinse a wound with clean running water, remove visible dirt only if it comes away easily, and cover it with a clean dressing. Contact a healthcare professional promptly if the wound is deep, punctured, contaminated, caused by a bite, or has damaged tissue. Tell them when your last tetanus-containing vaccine was given and whether you completed the recommended childhood series. Depending on the injury and your vaccination history, they may recommend a booster or additional protection.

Seek urgent medical care for trouble breathing or swallowing, repeated muscle tightening, severe jaw stiffness, confusion, or rapidly worsening symptoms after a wound. Get prompt assessment for uncontrolled bleeding, a deep puncture, a wound with embedded material, spreading redness, pus, fever, or severe pain. Do not wait for symptoms of tetanus before asking about wound protection.

Ask which vaccine is appropriate, whether your previous doses are documented, whether the wound changes the recommendation, and which reactions should prompt a call. Mention pregnancy, immune problems, previous serious vaccine reactions, and medicines that may affect immune function.