Tetanus Vaccine Information

Also known as lockjaw, tetanus is a disease that causes tightness in the muscles and nerves. The disease, which is caused by bacteria, can be prevented through a tetanus shot.

History

• The tetanus vaccine was created in 1924 and first used to prevent tetanus among servicemen during World War II. In the 1940s, the diphtheria toxoid and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccines were added to the existing tetanus vaccine to create a vaccine for children.

First Vaccinations

• Children usually receive their first tetanus vaccinations when they are 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and between 15 and 18 months of age, according to Vaccineinformation.org (See Reference 1). Many children often get tetanus booster shots when they are between 4 and 6 years old and between 11 and 12 years old. Adults who have never gotten the vaccine need to get a series of three shots.

Shots

• A tetanus shot is given in the anterolateral thigh muscle in children and infants and the deltoid muscle in adults and older children. Adults need to get the shot every 10 years.

Side Effects

• Although most children do not have reactions to the vaccine, some experience side effects such as a high fever, tiredness, vomiting and a loss of appetite. Some babies will cry for three or more hours after getting the shot. Other children may have soreness, redness and swelling in the area where they were injected.

Effectiveness

• The vaccine is 100 percent effective in preventing tetanus in adults and children, according to Vaccineinformation.org.