The question of whether to have ongoing booster vaccines is more complicated than looking at frequency of a disease. The conclusions of this study focus on the lack of change in tetanus or diphtheria incidence rates among countries that routinely vaccinate children. However, other factors influence the number of cases, such as the overall amount of the bacteria in the environment, or wound management and hygiene measures.
Immunity from antibodies to tetanus and diphtheria may persist for many years. Over time, though, antibody levels decrease. We know that even if antibodies are present, low levels may not always be protective. Even though this study was well executed and raises some important questions, further studies are needed to examine whether a childhood vaccination series offers lifelong protection without repeated adult boosters. Even though it happens rarely, people can still get tetanus and experience serious or deadly effects.
There is no cure for tetanus, and no definitive proof that you will have lifelong immunity with childhood vaccinations alone. So for now, the CDC continues to recommend booster vaccines every 10 years to help your immune system protect against these infections. If you have questions about the tetanus and diphtheria vaccine, talk to your doctor. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
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Health news headlines can be deceiving. The tetanus vaccine is combined with other vaccines so that you or your child can get protection against several diseases with fewer shots. Tetanus vaccination is recommended for people of all ages. There are many different combination vaccines used to prevent tetanus in infants, young children, school-age children, and adults. If you have a serious cut or wound, including punctures, bites, burns, or scrapes, please see your health care provider immediately for treatment.
This is especially important if the wound is dirty. Vaccination is the best way to protect against tetanus, a serious disease that sometimes causes death. Tetanus is different from other vaccine-preventable diseases because it does not spread from person to person. Any person not vaccinated against tetanus is at risk. Many people have no side effects from these vaccines. For those that do, side effects are usually mild and last 1 to 2 days see a list of common side effects for each vaccine below.
Serious side effects are very rare. When the tetanus bacteria invade the body, they produce a poison toxin that causes painful muscle contractions. Tetanus is very dangerous. It can cause breathing problems, muscle spasms, and paralysis unable to move parts of the body.
It can take months to recover fully from tetanus. A child might need weeks of hospital care. As many as 1 out of 5 people who get tetanus dies. Stepping on nails or other sharp objects is one way people are exposed to the bacteria that cause tetanus.
These bacteria are in the environment and get into the body through breaks in the skin. Tetanus is different from other vaccine-preventable diseases because it does not spread from person to person.
Tetanus bacteria are found in soil, dust, and manure. It gets into the body through breaks in the skin, including:. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Academy of Family Physicians, and American Academy of Pediatrics strongly recommend children receive all vaccines according to the recommended vaccine schedule.
Birth - 6 years schedule. Viewing discretion is advised. This fact sheet answers general questions about the booster shot that protects preteens and teens.
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