Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious disease caused by a bacterial toxin that affects the body’s nervous system. Thankfully, it is vaccine-preventable. The tetanus vaccine, often called the tetanus shot, is an essential part of routine childhood and adult immunizations.
But how long does tetanus vaccine protection last? When do you need tetanus booster shots as an adult? Here is a detailed look at tetanus vaccine schedule and recommendations.
Tetanus Basics
Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by the Clostridium tetani bacterium. The spores from these bacteria are usually found in soil, dust, and manure. The bacterium enters the body through breaks in the skin like cuts, bites, burns, scrapes, or puncture wounds.
Without treatment, tetanus toxin spreads through the body causing painful muscle contractions, particularly of the jaw and neck muscles. This can make swallowing and breathing very difficult. Other tetanus symptoms include:
- Stiffness in the neck, arms, and legs
- Difficulty swallowing
- Facial spasms called risus sardonicus
- Fever and sweating
- Elevated blood pressure and rapid heart rate
- Seizures
Tetanus can be fatal in up to 10-20% of reported cases, even with proper treatment. The tetanus vaccine is the best way to prevent this disease.
Tetanus Shot
The tetanus vaccine contains an inactivated form of the tetanus toxin, known as a toxoid. This stimulates the body’s immune system to produce tetanus antibodies without causing illness. Having tetanus antibodies prepares the body to fight the bacteria if exposed.
The tetanus vaccine is about 95% effective after two doses and almost 100% effective after three doses. It is typically combined with vaccines against diphtheria and pertussis and administered as the DTaP or Tdap shot.
There are three types of tetanus shots:
- DTaP: The DTaP shot contains vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough). It is given as a 5-dose series to children at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years old.
- Tdap: The Tdap vaccine has lower doses of diphtheria and pertussis components. It’s a booster shot given at age 11-12 years and to adults.
- Td: The Td shot covers tetanus and diphtheria protection. It is recommended every 10 years after the Tdap vaccine.
How Long Does Tetanus Shot Last?
Tetanus vaccine protection does not last forever. The antibodies gradually decline over time. As a result, booster doses are needed throughout life to maintain immunity.
After receiving all recommended tetanus shots in childhood, protection can last about 20 years. But adolescents and adults still need a Tdap booster around age 11-12 years old. This extends tetanus coverage another 10 years or so.
Then, Td boosters are recommended every 10 years. This keeps tetanus immunity high and prevention ongoing. It is also important to get an extra dose after potential tetanus exposure.
Childhood Tetanus Vaccine Schedule
The CDC recommends the following routine tetanus vaccine schedule for children:
| Age | Recommended Vaccine |
|---|---|
| 2 months | DTaP |
| 4 months | DTaP |
| 6 months | DTaP |
| 15-18 months | DTaP |
| 4-6 years | DTaP |
After the 5-dose DTaP series is complete, children have built up sufficient immunity to protect against tetanus for about 5-10 years.
Adult Tetanus Vaccine Schedule
All adults need periodic tetanus booster shots, even if they completed their childhood series. This ensures continued protection against tetanus over the lifespan.
The CDC advises the following tetanus vaccine schedule for adults:
| Age | Recommended Vaccine |
|---|---|
| 11-12 years | Tdap |
| Every 10 years | Td |
| Pregnant women | 1 dose Tdap during each pregnancy |
| Over 50 years | 1 dose Tdap, then Td boosters |
| After wound | Tetanus booster if >5 years since last dose |
Along with routine boosters every 10 years, adults need Td or Tdap shots after:
- Moderate or severely dirty wounds
- Puncture wounds
- Burns
- Crush injuries
- Surgery involving non-sterile conditions
An extra dose ensures sufficient tetanus antibodies to fight any C. tetani exposure. If it has been over 5 years since your last tetanus shot, you should get a booster within 48 hours of potential contamination.
Who Needs Tetanus Boosters?
While all adults need routine tetanus boosters, some groups are at higher risk of tetanus exposure. More frequent tetanus shots are especially important for:
- Older adults – Those over age 65 may have waning immunity and account for most tetanus cases and deaths in the U.S.
- Pregnant women – Maternal antibodies pass protection to the newborn but requires tetanus shots during each pregnancy.
- Travelers – Tetanus risk is higher in many foreign countries. Boosters should be up to date.
- Wound-prone – People with outdoor hobbies or jobs with frequent skin injuries need routine boosters.
- Diabetics – Slow wound healing raises tetanus risk.
- Drug users – Injection drug use often causes dirty skin wounds.
Make sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations for tetanus boosters based on your medical history and lifestyle.
Signs You Need a Tetanus Booster
Along with routine boosters every 10 years, you may need an extra tetanus shot if:
- It has been over 10 years since your last tetanus booster
- You have sustained an injury and don’t remember when you had your last booster
- You have a deep or dirty wound
- You will be traveling somewhere without medical facilities
- You are pregnant and have not had a Tdap booster this pregnancy
- You are over age 65 and 5+ years since your last booster
- You are at higher risk due to drug use, outdoor activities, diabetes, etc.
Talk to your doctor whenever you experience a potential tetanus-prone wound or have any other risk factors. They can review your records and determine if a tetanus booster is recommended.
Tetanus Vaccine Side Effects
The tetanus shot is very safe and well-tolerated overall. Still, some people may experience minor side effects after vaccination. These can include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea, diarrhea, or stomach pain
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Rash
Any side effects are usually mild and go away within a day or two. Severe allergic reactions are very rare. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Conclusion
Tetanus is a potentially fatal disease preventable through vaccination. The tetanus vaccine provides long-lasting protection but immunity does decline over the years. Children and adults therefore need periodic tetanus booster shots for continued prevention.
After the childhood DTaP series, a Tdap booster is recommended at 11-12 years old. Then a Td booster every 10 years maintains tetanus immunity. Some groups like pregnant women, older adults, and wound-prone individuals may need more frequent boosters.
Along with routine vaccination, tetanus boosters are advised after potential tetanus-prone injuries or wounds. This ensures sufficient antibody levels to fight any C. tetani exposure. Talk to your doctor if you are due for a scheduled booster or sustain any injury that might warrant an extra tetanus shot.
Following recommended tetanus vaccine schedules and boosters throughout life provides optimal protection against this serious bacterial disease.