How to Treat a Sore Tetanus Shot

Starting in 1941, the United States began vaccinating its citizens against tetanus, as well as diphtheria and acellular pertussis, in a series of five vaccinations that begin at age 2 months and end between 4 and 6 years old. Additionally, a tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years to keep up your immunity to the illness. As a result of these vaccines, tetanus has become extremely rare in the United States. If you receive the shot, though, the vaccination site may become sore for a few days following injection.

Things You'll Need

• Ice pack or frozen peas
• OTC pain reliever

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Instructions

• 1

  Apply ice to the injection site. Ice will reduce the sensitivity of the nerves in the area, and will reduce any swelling you might have noticed. Use an ice pack, or a bag of frozen peas.

• 2

  Take an over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, like ibuprofen, or a pain reliever such as acetaminophen. Follow the instructions on the bottle, and take no more than recommended in a 24-hour period.

• 3

  Wait a few days. Unfortunately, tetanus injections can be quite painful, and the soreness can persist for 48 to 96 hours after injection. Aside from controlling the pain with ice and painkillers, waiting is the only way for the pain to go down.

• 4

  Consult the doctor who administered the injection if pain persists beyond four days after the shot. Schedule an appointment to have your doctor examine the injection site to be sure that no complications have occurred.