What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious bacterial disease affecting the neuromuscular system and caused by a toxin (poison) produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The spores are very resistant to heat, other chemical agents and the usual antiseptics. They can be found in the soil and in the intestines and feces of farm animals and humans. The bacteria usually enter the human body through a puncture. Neonatal tetanus occurs in newborns without protective passive immunity from the mother. It usually occurs through infection of the unhealed umbilical stump, particularly when the stump is cut with an unsterile instrument. Tetanus is not spread from person to person.
 

What are the symptoms of tetanus?

The incubation period ranges from 3 to 21 days, usually about 8 days. The symptoms of tetanus are caused by the tetanus toxin acting on the central nervous system. The first sign is spasm of the jaw muscles, followed by stiffness of the neck and difficulty in swallowing. Other signs include fever, sweating, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Spasms often occur, which may last for several minutes and continue for 3-4 weeks. Complete recovery, if it occurs, may take months. The diagnosis is entirely clinical and does not depend upon bacteriologic confirmation.
 

How and when is tetanus vaccine given?

Age	Dose 1	Dose 2	Dose 3	Dose 4
Less than 7 years	2 month (DTaP)	4 month (DTaP)	6 month (DTaP)	15-18 month (DTaP)
More than 7 years or Unvaccinated Adults	0 month (TdaP)	1 month after the first dose (Td)	6-12 month after the second dose (Td)	A booster dose at 11-12 years (TdaP) then booster doses (Td) every 10 years.

DTaP = Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids with acellular pertussis vaccine
Tdap = Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids with acellular pertussis vaccine
Td = Tetanus and diphtheria toxoids

What should be done if the schedule of Tetanus vaccine is delayed?
 

Interruption of the recommended schedule or delay of subsequent doses does not reduce the response to the vaccine when the series is finally completed. There is no need to restart a series regardless of the time elapsed between doses. Booster doses can be administered, without starting a new cycle, even the interval is more than 10 years.
 

What are undesirable effects have been reported with tetanus vaccines?

Mild undesirable effects:	Mild fever, joint pain, muscle aches, nausea, tiredness, or pain/itching/swelling/redness at the injection site may occur. Acetaminophen may be used to reduce these effects. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell the doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Serious and rare undesirable effects:	Tingling of the hands/feet, hearing problems, trouble swallowing, muscle weakness, seizures, rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If any of these effects occur, seek immediate medical attention.