Did you know?Up to 1 in 5 people who get tetanus may die. Show
What is the tetanus vaccine?The tetanus vaccine protects against tetanus, a serious disease caused by a bacteria. The tetanus vaccine is combined with other vaccines so that you or your child can get protection against several diseases with fewer shots. Who should get the tetanus vaccine?Tetanus vaccination is recommended for people of all ages. There are many different combination vaccines used to prevent tetanus in infants, young children, school-age children, and adults. Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib) Vaccine
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTaP-IPV-Hib) Vaccine
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio (Tdap-IPV) Vaccine
Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) Vaccine
Tetanus and Diphtheria (Td) Vaccine
If you have a serious cut or wound, including punctures, bites, burns, or scrapes, please see your health care provider immediately for treatment. This is especially important if the wound is dirty. TranslationsClick on the vaccine name for information in different languages. What are the benefits of the tetanus vaccine?Vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus, a serious disease that sometimes causes death. Tetanus is different from other vaccine-preventable diseases because it does not spread from person to person. Any person not vaccinated against tetanus is at risk. What are the side effects?Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than it is to get tetanus. Many people have no side effects from these vaccines. For those that do, side effects are usually mild and last 1 to 2 days (see a list of common side effects for each vaccine below). Serious side effects are very rare. It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is an extremely rare possibility of anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips. The chance of true anaphylaxis is about 1 in 1 million vaccine doses. Should this reaction occur, your health care provider is prepared to treat it. Emergency treatment includes administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) and transfer by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If symptoms develop after you leave the clinic, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Learn more about anaphylaxis on our vaccine side effects page. It is important to always report serious or unexpected reactions to your immunizing health care provider. DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib VaccineCommon side effects may include soreness, redness, and swelling where the vaccine was given. Some children may have a fever or experience crankiness, restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent crying, or a loss of appetite. These reactions are mild and usually last 1 to 2 days. DTaP-IPV-Hib VaccineCommon side effects may include soreness, redness, and swelling where the vaccine was given. Some children may have a fever, or experience crankiness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. These reactions are mild and generally last 1 to 2 days. Large areas of redness and swelling may be present but these generally do not interfere with normal activity. Tdap-IPV VaccineCommon side effects may include may include soreness, redness, and swelling where the vaccine was given. Fever, chills, headache, and fatigue may also occur. These reactions are mild and generally last 1 to 2 days. Large areas of redness and swelling may be present but these generally do not interfere with normal activity. Tdap VaccineCommon side effects may include soreness, redness, and swelling in the arm where the vaccine was given. Headache, fatigue, muscle or joint soreness, and mild fever may also occur. Td VaccineCommon side effects may include soreness, redness, and swelling where the vaccine was given. Fever, headache, and muscle soreness may also occur. Where can I learn more?
About tetanus
How long after Tdap vaccine can side effects occur?These problems generally occur 1 to 3 days after the shot is given. Severe side effects are extremely rare. Learn more about side effects of the DTaP vaccine.
How long for tetanus shot side effects to go away?Yes, this is normal, as pain at the injection site (where the needle goes into your arm) is one of the most common side effects of receiving the tetanus vaccine. These symptoms usually go away in a few days.
How do you treat the side effects of Tdap?Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
According to the CDC, it occurs in 2 in 3 adults 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.
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