Do I need to get a tetanus shot?

Tetanus, sometimes called lockjaw, is a rare disease caused by bacteria known as Clostridium tetani. A toxin produced by the bacteria affects the function of the nerves and leads to severe muscle spasms in the abdomen, neck, stomach, and extremities. read more

The tetanus vaccine has made tetanus a preventable disease. Thanks to its widespread use, lockjaw has become very rare in the U.S. Even so, many adults in the U.S. need to be vaccinated against tetanus because there is no cure and 10% to 20% of victims will die. read more

Know if it's time to get your tetanus shot. If you never received the first series of tetanus shots (primary vaccination series) or you're not sure when you had your last tetanus shot, you should go get a tetanus shot. If you've been injured, you may be wondering whether you need to get a tetanus booster shot. read more

The vaccine is usually given to children as part of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) shot. After the initial series of shots, it’s recommended that adolescents get a booster shot between the ages of 11 and 18, and that adults receive a tetanus booster every ten years. read more