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The tetanus vaccine is widely used and is part of the routine childhood immunization schedule. Thanks to this, tetanus outbreaks have become much less common. However, maintaining immunity is essential. After completing the full vaccine series in childhood, booster shots are needed every 10 years in adulthood to keep protection levels high.
Before we talk about prevention, let’s first understand what tetanus is, how it affects the body, its causes, and how serious it can be. Knowing this will help you stay informed and take the right steps to protect yourself in time.
What You Should Know About the Tetanus Vaccine
What Is Tetanus?
Tetanus is a serious infection that affects the nervous and muscular systems. It is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which produces an exotoxin that attacks the nerves controlling muscle movement.
This leads to continuous and painful muscle contractions, starting with the jaw muscles, making it difficult or impossible to open the mouth. This is why tetanus is also known as “lockjaw.”
Source: Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand
What Causes Tetanus?
Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, a gram-positive, anaerobic bacteria. It can survive in harsh conditions by forming spores, which are highly resistant to heat and many disinfectants. It can produce a powerful exotoxin that affects the nervous system, leading to dangerous muscle stiffness and spasms.
How Does the Tetanus Bacteria Enter the Body?
- Open wounds contaminated with dirt, dust, feces, or saliva
- Puncture wounds caused by objects like rusty nails, needles, or wooden splinters
- Cuts or injuries from sharp objects
- Burn wounds
- Crush injuries that cause tissue death
- Animal bites (e.g., dogs, cats, bats, or rats)
- Chronic wounds with dead tissue or low oxygen levels
- Wounds related to diabetes, tooth decay, or chronic ear infections
- Umbilical cord infections in newborns
- Unknown sources in some cases
Incubation Period of Tetanus
After entering the body through a wound, the incubation period for tetanus is typically 7 to 10 days. Symptoms may begin within a few days and can last for several weeks depending on the severity of the infection.
Symptoms of Tetanus
- Muscle aches or soreness
- Difficulty swallowing, breathing, or opening the mouth (lockjaw)
- High fever, sweating, and irritability
- Recurring muscle stiffness or spasms, especially in the neck and back
- Autonomic nervous system symptoms, such as excessive sweating or rapid heartbeat
- Severe muscle spasms that may cause muscle breakdown or even broken bones
- Back arching (opisthotonos) due to muscle contraction
- Muscle cramps and seizures
” In some cases, muscles involved in breathing become paralyzed, leading to respiratory failure and possible death. Patients often die from complications of infection or severe autonomic nervous system dysfunction.”
How to Prevent Tetanus
- Get vaccinated according to the national immunization schedule and receive a booster shot every 10 years.
- Avoid injuries ifpossible. If an injury occurs, especially one with high risk of infection, just clean the wound thoroughly with clean water and soap for at least 10–15 minutes, and see a doctor immediately to receive a tetanus vaccine if needed
When to Get the Tetanus Vaccine
If you finished your childhood tetanus shots (usually combined with diphtheria and pertussis), whether you need a booster after an injury depends on the wound.
If you have completed the full vaccination series and received a booster dose recently, you generally do not need another tetanus vaccine for minor, clean, and shallow wounds for up to 10 years. 2.However, if you did not complete the full vaccine series during childhood, you should receive the full 3-dose tetanus vaccine series. After that, boosters should be given according to the wound type as described above. Source: Dr. Salin Siriudomphat, “Tetanus Vaccination Considerations” (Ask the Doctor) Summary: The schedule is 3 doses at 0, 1, and 6 months, followed by a booster every 10 years. Reference: Asst. Prof. Teeraporn Chanakit, FAQs: Vaccination in Pregnancy, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ubon Ratchathani University After receiving the tetanus vaccine, some people may have mild symptoms such as fever, pain, swelling, redness, or warmth at the injection site. These reactions are usually not severe. If you have Medical staff will check your health before vaccination. After the shot, stay for 30 minutes for observation to ensure no severe allergic reactions before you are free to go home. If you want to get a tetanus vaccine or have any questions, feel free to contact us through any channel. For more info and make appointment Intouchmedicareclinic 
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Latest edit : 05/09/2025 (Website has been updated)
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