Skip to Content

Tetanus Vaccines (Td and Tdap)

What is Tetanus?

Tetanus is an infection that's caused by a similarly named bacteria, Clostridium tetani. It's uncommon but exists in our environment, infecting people when its spores enter the body through a break in our skin. Typically, the tetanus-causing spores get into our body through things like:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Injuries with dead tissues (which promotes bacteria growth)
  • Wound contamination from dirt, poop, or spit

Tetanus infections are serious and require immediate treatment because of the many complications they can cause. According to CDC estimates, 1 in 10 cases are fatal. Here are just some of the symptoms and complications caused by tetanus:

  • Seizures
  • Involuntary muscle spams
  • Trouble swallowing
  • Bone fracture from uncontrolled spasm
  • Uncontrolled vocal cord tightening
  • Blood clots that can cause a lung blockage
  • Lung infections from inhaling spit or vomit
  • Breathing difficulties

Luckily, tetanus is a preventable disease, and we have safe and effective vaccines to protect our community from it!

How do Tetanus Vaccines protect Southwest Florida?

Because everyone is at risk of catching tetanus, tetanus vaccines are vital in protecting all of Southwest Florida from a preventable disease that kills 1 in 10 people that it infects.

Tetanus Vaccine FAQ

The CDC recommends the following groups get a tetanus vaccine if they haven't already:

  • Babies and children - It's reccomended that this group gets the DTaP vaccine, which protects them against tetanus, in addition to diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis).
  • Preteens and teens -It's reccomended that this group gets the Tdap vaccine, a booster that protects tetanus, diptheria, and whooping cough.
  • Adults - It's recommended that all adults get at least one dose of Tdap and then a booster shot of Tdap or Td (another type of tetanus vaccine) every 10 years.
  • Pregnant people - It's recommended that pregnant people get a Tdap vaccine in the 3rd trimester of every pregnancy to protect the babies from whooping cough, in addition to tetanus and diphtheria.

DTaP vaccine

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Fever
  • Irritability (fussiness)
  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Vomiting

Td and Tdap vaccines

  • Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
  • Mild fever
  • Headache
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomachache

Clinical pharmacists are available to answer your vaccine questions on Lee Health's MyChart portal.

If you don't have a MyChart account, signing up is quick and easy!

The information on this page was last verified in August of 2024.

For the latest updates on the Chickenpox Vaccine, check out the CDC's website on Vaccines and Preventable Diseases.

Schedule Vaccination

Protect yourself from preventable diseases!