Tetanus is different from other vaccine-preventable diseases because it does not spread from person to person. The bacteria are usually found in soil, dust, and manure and enter the body through breaks in the skin — usually cuts or puncture wounds caused by contaminated objects.
Today, tetanus is uncommon in the United States, with an average of about 30 reported cases each year. Nearly all cases of tetanus are among people who did not get all the recommended tetanus vaccinations. This includes people who have never received a tetanus vaccine and adults who don’t stay up to date on their 10-year booster shots.
Tetanus is a dangerous nerve ailment caused by the toxin of a common bacterium, Clostridium tetani. Bacterial spores are found in soil -- most frequently in cultivated soil, least frequently in virgin soil. The spores can remain infectious for more than 40 years in soil. They also exist in environments as diverse as animal excrement, house dust, and the human colon. If the spores enter a wound that penetrates the skin and extends deeper than oxygen can reach, they germinate and produce a toxin that enters the bloodstream.
In developing countries, about 34 000 newborns died from neonatal tetanus in 2015. This a 96% reduction since 1988, primarily because of large-scale immunizations.
Bacterial spores enter the body by way of animal or insect bites, surgical wounds, needle injection sites, burns, splinters, ulcers, and infected umbilical cords -- and by the proverbial rusty nail. Be particularly suspicious of any wound caused by a dirty or dusty object that has been outdoors or in contact with soil.
Tetanus is caused by an infection with the bacterium Clostridium tetani,[1] which is commonly found in soil, saliva, dust, and manure.[2] The bacteria generally enter through a break in the skin such as a cut or puncture wound by a contaminated object.[2] They produce toxins that interfere with normal muscle contractions.[3] Diagnosis is based on the presenting signs and symptoms.[1] The disease does not spread between people.[1]
Clostridium tetani is a common soil bacterium and the causative agent of tetanus. When growing in soil, C. tetani is rod-shaped and up to 2.5 μm long. However, when forming spores, C. tetani becomes substantially enlarged at one end, resembling a tennis racket or drumstick. C. tetani spores are extremely hardy and can be found globally in soil or in the gastrointestinal tract of animals. If inoculated into a wound, C. tetani can grow and produce a potent toxin, tetanospasmin, which interferes with motor neurons, causing tetanus. The toxin's action can be prevented with tetanus toxoid vaccines, which are often administered to children worldwide.
There are some mild side effects to any of the tetanus vaccines. These side effects are common to all types of tetanus shot. Most of these side effects are signs that your body is responding to build immunity against the disease.
Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
Pain at the injection site is one of the most common side effects from receiving the tetanus vaccine. According to the CDC, it occurs in 2 in 3 adultsTrusted Source that receive the Tdap vaccine. This should subside in a few days.
If pain or swelling is causing you discomfort, you can take an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as ibuprofen (Advil) to help.
Fever
People receiving the tetanus vaccine can experience a mild fever of up to 100.4ºF (38ºC) following vaccination.
If you experience a mild fever following tetanus vaccination, OTC medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen can help.
Headache or other body aches
You may experience a headache or various aches and pains throughout your body after your tetanus vaccination. These side effects should subside shortly.
You can take a pain reliever such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for aches.
Tiredness
You may feel tired or drowsy following your tetanus vaccination. This is a completely common side effect. Like many of the previously listed side effects, it’s a sign that your body and immune system are working hard to build up immunity.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
Experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea is considered a mild side effect of the Tdap vaccine. The CDC estimates 1 in 10 adults Trusted Source receiving the Tdap vaccine will experience this side effect.
If you experience this, be sure to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid foods that could further upset your stomach.
Buy OTC pain medication here.
More serious side effects
Serious side effects to the tetanus vaccine are very rare. However, if you experience any of these following your tetanus vaccination, seek immediate medical care.
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, the tetanus vaccine can cause an allergic reaction. Serious allergic reactions typically begin a few minutes to a few hours after vaccination.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms below following your tetanus shot, call your doctor immediately.
hives
difficulty breathing
swelling of your face or throat
rapid heartbeat
dizziness
weakness
Severe pain, redness, swelling, or bleeding at the injection site
Mild to moderate pain, redness, or swelling can occur following tetanus vaccination.
However, if the injection site is bleeding or you experience pain, redness, or swelling that’s so severe that you can’t perform your usual activities, contact your doctor.
Ms Dorey claims the young girl was rushed to hospital after she crushed her toe in February and was taken to Nimbin Hospital to treat the wound - but says her tetanus was contracted because doctors 'failed to see warning signs'.
When lockjaw symptoms showed in March, the girl was taken to Lismore Base Hospital where Dr Chris Ingall treated her with tetanus immunoglobulin.
Dr Ingall said Ms Dorey's allegations were a reflection of the misinformation touted by anti-vaxxers which has convinced 'good, caring people' away from vaccination, The Daily Telegraph reports.
'The staff at Nimbin cleaned the wound and the parents were told the child needed a tetanus shot to protect her. It was offered and they declined,' Dr Ingall said.
The girl needed to be put on life support but is now recovering at Brisbane's Lady Cilento Children's Hospital.
