Reactions to the Tetanus Vaccine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the tetanus vaccine for infants, children and adults.

What is Tetanus?

• Also known as “lockjaw,” tetanus is a serious, often fatal condition that causes painful muscle stiffness. The tightening usually affects the jaw muscles, which may make it impossible to open the mouth or swallow.

Risks

• The risks posed by tetanus disease itself are far greater than any potential risks from receiving the tetanus vaccine. Tetanus vaccine presents an extremely low risk of serious harm.

Mild Reactions

• About 25 percent of children experience fever, redness, soreness or swelling at the site of injection. Fewer children may experience fatigue, lack of appetite or vomiting following tetanus vaccination.

Moderate Reactions

• Far less common reactions include seizure, or a fever of 105 degrees fahrenheit or higher. Fewer than 1 in 14,000 children will experience these side effects. Up to 1 in 1,000 children may cry non-stop for 3 hours or more. Adults may experience similar mild or moderate reactions, but generally with less frequency.

Serious Reactions

• Serious allergic reactions to tetanus vaccine are extremely rare, occurring at a rate of less than 1 out of 1 million vaccinations. Other severe problems following vaccination are so uncommon that it is unclear whether the vaccine caused them. Such problems include permanent brain damage, long-term seizures or coma.

Report Moderate to Serious Reactions

• Let your health care provider know if you or someone in your family experiences a moderate or severe reaction to a tetanus vaccine.