How To Get Immunized Against Tetanus

Tetanus, also known as "lockjaw," is a disease caused by bacteria that are frequently found in dirt, soil and feces. The bacteria enter the body through a puncture wound, burn injury, gangrene or other injury that penetrate the skin. Knowing how to get immunized against tetanus is critical information, as the disease can be fatal.

Tetanus commonly manifests as difficulty swallowing, followed by spasms or rigidity in the jaw muscles. It can progress to severe muscle spasms anywhere in the body, including the muscles that control breathing. It can lead to death. Fortunately, the tetanus vaccine is widely available in North America and immunization against tetanus has nearly wiped out the disease in this part of the world. That is not true in underdeveloped countries, however.

Most adults in the United States were immunized against tetanus in childhood. All children now are offered the tetanus vaccine in infancy, including booster shots within five years. Renewed vaccination every ten years is recommended for all. How to get vaccinated for tetanus includes the following steps.

Know your immunization history. If you step on a rusty nail in a barnyard, treat the puncture wound; but if you were just recently vaccinated, you likely won't need a tetanus shot. If it has been more than 10 years, a shot will most likely be recommended. Any serious penetrating wound should be reported to your doctor, so that the decision whether you need a tetanus shot can be made based on medical advice. Some physicians will recommend it even if you have been vaccinated within 10 years, as a hedge against your faulty memory or the vaccine no longer being effective.

Apart from injury, if you are in doubt about whether you need a preventive immunization, call your physician. You should seek medical advice as to whether and when you should be vaccinated for future prevention purposes.

Call and set up an appointment, if the time has come. You should schedule your shot for a time when you would not be unduly inconvenienced by some mild side effects afterwards, as the procedure can cause discomfort. The reactions include soreness, pain and swelling at the injection site; headache; mild fever or fever and chills; and occasionally vomiting and other flu-like symptoms. Serious side effects are rare, but symptoms of allergic reactions must always be on your radar screen.

Finally, if you haven't kept good records at home for either you or your children, start now. Knowing your vaccination history is a key to knowing how and when to get immunized against tetanus.