Tetanus Vaccine

About tetanus

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a severe disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The spores of this bacterium, which are reproductive cells, are commonly found in our natural environment, such as soil, house dust, nature, animal excrement, and human feces. The bacterium spores can enter the body through cuts or wounds and, once inside, transform into active bacteria, producing a toxoid that can cause severe damage to the nervous system.

Any injury that involves contact with bacterial spores can lead to tetanus development among unvaccinated individuals. Deep wounds, which involve tissue destruction and are contaminated with soil, feces, or saliva, pose a tremendous risk. This disease does not transmit from one person to another.

The tetanus disease is characterized by fever, sweating, an accelerated heart rate, an increase in blood pressure, seizures, and intense and painful cramps that may lead to paralysis in various muscle groups. The most frequent complication involves the tightening of the jaw muscles, resulting in the inability to open the mouth or swallow, and it can potentially lead to a cessation of breathing. The tetanus vaccine is valid for 5 to 10 years. Most people who have had tetanus were not vaccinated or did not get the booster vaccine in the previous ten years. 10% to 20% of the tetanus patients may die.

The influence of the vaccine in Israel: before 1955, dozens of cases of tetanus were reported each year. However, in 1955, with the introduction of the tetanus vaccine into routine vaccines, there has been a significant reduction in the disease. Only a few cases have been documented among individuals who were not vaccinated.

Vaccine completion: if your child is in school age and has not been given a tetanus vaccine, which is included in the birth to 18 years immunization schedule, you can contact the school nurse to schedule the vaccine completion. In addition, the health staff of the school will inform you of complementary vaccines your child needs and help you schedule them with your consent.

More on vaccination completion

• Redness and pain at the injection site, and local or limb swelling: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the injection site and avoid massaging the area.
• Fever: You can give a fever-reducing and pain-relieving medication.
• General discomfort: Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, prolonged crying, diarrhea, restlessness, or drowsiness—these can be managed with fever-reducing and pain-relieving medication.
• Rare reactions: Seizures occurring up to three days after vaccination. These are usually related to fever, are not considered dangerous, and do not cause permanent neurological damage.

Learn more about possible vaccine side effects

When to consider a vaccine after an injury

After an injury, the need for a tetanus booster depends on the type of wound and the timing of the last vaccination:

• For a clean, minor wound, a booster is needed only if it has been 10 years or more since the last shot.
• For a deep, contaminated, or extensive wound (any wound that is not clean and minor): A booster is needed if it has been 5 years or more since the last shot.
• If it’s unclear whether the vaccination series (3 shots) was completed or if the person has a weakened immune system, consult a doctor or go to the emergency room for assessment, including the need for passive immunization.

If your child experiences symptoms after getting vaccinated in school, please inform the school nurse or the school's preferred healthcare provider.

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