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Tetanus Vaccine
Vaccination schedule
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2 months
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4 months
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6 months
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1 year
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2nd grade
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8th grade
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.
About the vaccine
The tetanus vaccine is administered as part of the DTaP-Hib-IPV vaccine, which also contains vaccines against diphtheria, pertussis, polio, and Haemophiles influenza B (Hib) as part of the routine vaccination of babies and children. Currently, due to an increase in cases of pertussis and polio, the first dose of the DTaP-Hib-IPV vaccine is now given at 6 weeks old.
In the 2nd and 8th grades, additional doses of the tetanus vaccine are administered as part of the vaccination in school.
There are also separate vaccines for individuals with sensitivity to any of the vaccine's components. You can discuss the possibility of dividing the vaccination with the Family Care Center (Tipat Halav) nurse.
The vaccine provides almost 100% protection against tetanus; however, the protection decreases over the years; therefore, it is recommended to get vaccinated against tetanus every 10 years (a booster vaccine).
| Vaccine composition | Vaccine administration |
| Toxins produced by the bacterium, which are alternated to prevent their harmful effect |
Until the age of 3 - by injection to the thigh; from the age of 3 - by injection to the arm |
Impact of the vaccine in Israel: Until 1955, dozens of tetanus cases were reported each year. In 1955, the tetanus vaccine was added to the immunization schedule. Since then, the incidence of the disease has decreased significantly, with only isolated cases reported among people who were not vaccinated.
Catch-up vaccination: If your child is school-aged and has not previously received the tetanus vaccine included in the immunization schedule, you can contact the school nurse to arrange catch-up vaccination. In addition, the school health team will let you know if your child needs any catch-up vaccinations and will help arrange them with your consent.
More information about catch-up vaccinations
Duration of Protection
The protection provided by the vaccine decreases over time, so a booster dose is needed every 10 years to maintain protection. In the event of exposure to a person with the disease, another dose may be needed if 5 years have passed since the last vaccination, based on medical judgment.
Possible side effects after vaccination and how to relieve them
- Redness, pain, and swelling at the injection site: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area. Avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Fever: You can give a fever reducer and pain reliever.
- Generally feeling unwell: There may be loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, prolonged crying, diarrhea, restlessness, or drowsiness. You can give a fever reducer and pain reliever.
- Extensive swelling at the injection site or of the entire limb: You can place a clean cloth soaked in lukewarm water on the area. Avoid massaging or rubbing it.
- Seizures within 3 days of vaccination: The seizures are usually related to fever and are not considered dangerous, but it is important to seek medical care.
More information about vaccine side effects
When to Consider a Tetanus Vaccine After an Injury
As a general rule, a tetanus booster is recommended every 10 years. After an injury, the need for an additional dose depends on the type of wound, when the last dose was given, and whether the primary vaccination series was completed:
- For a clean, minor wound: A booster is needed only if 10 years or more have passed since the last dose.
- For a deep, contaminated, or extensive wound (any wound that is not clean and minor): A booster is needed if 5 years or more have passed since the last dose.
- If it is not known whether the primary vaccination series (3 doses) was completed, or if the person is immunocompromised: Contact your family doctor or go to an emergency room for an evaluation, including whether tetanus immune globulin is needed.
When to seek medical attention at an HMO or emergency center after the vaccination
- If your child appears apathetic.
- If a fever lasts beyond 24-48 hours.
- In case of seizures (often related to fever but should be examined).
- If there are persistent changes in appetite and eating patterns beyond 24-48 hours.
- If you have any other concerns or worries.
If your child experiences symptoms after getting vaccinated in school, please inform the school nurse or the school's preferred healthcare provider.