Time for a Tetanus Shot? When You Need One and Why

Step on a rusty nail? Time for a tetanus shot, right? That’s First Aid 101. While that’s true, it’s only part of the story.

Family medicine specialist Neha Vyas, MD, explains when tetanus shots are really needed — and why staying up to date matters more than you might think.

When do you need a tetanus shot?

Babies and kids should get a series of tetanus shots to build up immunity to the tetanus-causing bacteria Clostridium tetani. Tetanus boosters are advised in adults every 10 years, at minimum. (More on the ins and outs of that in a bit.)

But there are times when you’re best off getting a tetanus shot before that once-in-a-decade event. Dr. Vyas shares when to get your shots.

Injuries

Head to the urgent care or your primary care provider and ask about a tetanus shot if you have a cut, scrape or puncture wound that’s:

• Dirty (with dirt, poop, saliva, rocks, sand or rust)
• Caused by animal scratch or bite
• Made by metal
• Deep enough to need stitches

That’s especially important if you haven’t had a tetanus booster in the last five years. Or if you’re not sure when your last booster was.

“You can get tetanus from a puncture wound, like from a nail,” Dr. Vyas says. “But the bacteria can also live in soil, dust and animal waste.”

Still debating on whether your injury really rises to tetanus-shot level?

Err on the side of caution, Dr. Vyas advises. “If you have a puncture injury or deep cut, it’s worth consulting a healthcare provider. Getting an extra tetanus booster is much safer than getting infected with tetanus.”

If you’ve sustained an injury, wash the area well with soap and water and cover it with a clean bandage. For best results, get a tetanus shot within 48 hours of the injury.

Pregnancy, parenting and childcare

Tetanus vaccines are most often given as a combination vaccine called Tdap. It protects you from tetanus, as well as diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

Pregnant women are advised to get Tdap vaccines in the first trimester. People who live with or care for infants are advised to get Tdap shots, too. That’s because whooping cough is dangerous for infants — the tetanus protection is a bonus.

People who should consider a Tdap booster include:

• Dads-to-be
• Adoptive parents
• Foster parents
• Stepparents
• Older siblings
• Grandparents and other relatives
• Babysitters (including childcare workers, family members and friends who will help care for baby)

Regularly scheduled tetanus shots

Tetanus is a dangerous infection, and it doesn’t take an emergency room-level injury to contract it. Even small wounds — like splinters, bug bites or garden scratches — can let in the bacteria.

That’s why staying on schedule with tetanus shots is key. Think about it: You’re probably not going to run to the ER after you get a few scratches from working in the garden. But those scrapes could still be entryway enough for bacteria to set up shop if you’re not up to date on your tetanus vaccines.

Babies and children should be immunized with a series of six tetanus shots when they’re:

• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• Between 15 and 18 months old
• Between 4 and 6 years old
• Between 11 and 12 years old

Adults should keep up with getting a tetanus shot every 10 years, or more if needed.

Fun fact: Kids under 7 receive the DTaP vaccine, while older kids and adults get Tdap. Both protect you against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough). Both give you a full dose of tetanus protection. Tdap has lower doses of diphtheria and pertussis to help maintain your immunity, rather than build it from scratch.

Tetanus protection matters

Tetanus affects your nervous system. And it’s fatal in about 10% of cases, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tetanus doesn’t take long to take hold. Some people begin to see effects, like lockjaw and difficulty swallowing, in as little as three days after exposure to the bacteria.

“Once tetanus is underway, there is no stopping it,” Dr. Vyas warns. “Tetanus can only be managed, not cured.”

The good news? It’s easy to prevent. Stay up to date on vaccines, and if you’re injured, don’t wait to ask about a booster.