Tetanus Shots

Tetanus is a bacterial disease which can be very dangerous. The bacteria gets into the skin through any kind of wound, scrape or opening in the skin. It can cause serious muscle spasms. Even though this disease is not very common in the United States, it is necessary to take your shots so that you are immunized from this disease.

Prevention of Tetanus

The best way to prevent the symptoms of this condition is to get a shot. There are three different types of shots that are available in the market for tetanus:

• The DTap shot will immunize you from Diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis. These shots are usually administered to children as a part of their regular vaccinations and they are given to them when they are around 2 months old. These series of shots have to be administered regularly till they are about 4 years old. 

• The Tdap is a booster shot that is given to pre-teens when they are about 11 years old. This shot is not only helpful for protection against tetanus but it is also for immunization against Whooping Cough. Adults who have not had the Tdap shot should take the Tetanus and Diphtheria (TD) shot instead. 

• The TD shot is a booster shot. It is given every 10 years so that the person stays immunized properly.

When A Shot is Necessary

Tetanus shots should be taken when you get injured, either by a clean object or a dirty one. Dirt includes any kind of mud, spit or feces on the object. Depending on the last time you had taken it, you should get a shot when you get hurt badly.

For example, if your wound was caused by a dirty object, get a shot if you have not had one in the past 5 years or if you cannot remember when your last shot was. If the wound was caused by a clean object, get a shot if you have not had one in the past 10 years. If you were not given the entire series of tetanus shots when you were young, get the shot as soon as you get wounded.

For any kind of tetanus immunization, always consult a doctor and ensure that the vaccinations are administered properly. Any side-effects from the vaccination like swelling can be treated with pain medication and ice packs. For babies, the side effects may be a little more serious and you should call you doctor immediately.

Owl Now Urgent Care is an after-hours clinic that provides necessary and emergency services to adults as well as children. This establishment is open seven days a week and it helps save both time and money by providing professional and immediate care when other establishments are closed. Also, check out their new 

page on Tetanus Shots.

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