Tetanus shots for adults are still necessary if you fall into this group

Tetanus shots are not only necessary for babies and children, but also adults. The vaccine to prevent tetanus is useful for preventing infection Clostridium tetani which is dangerous. So, when is a tetanus shot needed and what are the side effects? Check out the following explanation.

What are tetanus shots?

A tetanus shot is given to protect you from tetanus disease which is caused by bacteria Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are present all over the world and mainly live in the soil. Tetanus is a nerve damage caused by the toxins produced by these bacteria.

Currently, there are four types of vaccines used to protect against tetanus, all of which are combined with vaccines for other diseases. The vaccines are:

• Diphtheria and tetanus (DT)
• Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP)
• Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) Vaccine
• Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)

Tetanus immunization is recommended for all infants, children, adolescents and adults. The DTaP and DT vaccines are given to children under 7 years of age, whereas Tdap and Td are given to older children and adults.

Although the rate of tetanus cases is generally higher in infants and children, the disease can still affect adults who have not been vaccinated. Therefore, regardless of your age, get a tetanus shot immediately if you haven't had one as a child.

When is a tetanus shot needed?

If you fall or get punctured by nails or sharp objects in the street, you will need to get a tetanus shot. This is because open wounds in the skin that are not cleaned quickly can allow tetanus-causing bacteria to enter the body through the wound. The bacteria then multiply and produce poison.

When the bacteria enter the body, the toxins spread gradually to the spinal cord and brain that controls the muscles. If this happens, tetanus features due to the foot being hit by a nail or a sharp object may occur. This includes muscles feeling stiff and numb.

If not treated properly, tetanus can cause severe seizures and even death due to respiratory muscles that stop working. Therefore, wounds prone to tetanus should be treated directly by a doctor. List of injuries that are included at risk include:

• Burns that require surgery but cannot be done within 24 hours.
• Burns that remove a lot of body tissue.
• Animal bite wounds.
• Puncture wounds such as nails, needles, and others that have been contaminated with dirt or soil.
• Serious fracture where the bone becomes infected.
• Burns in patients with systemic sepsis, which is a decrease in blood pressure due to a serious bacterial infection.

Every patient with the above injuries should receive a tetanus shot as soon as possible, even if previously vaccinated. The goal is to kill bacteria Clostridium tetani. The doctor will immediately inject it into a vein.

Even so, doctors will also prescribe antibiotics such as penicillin or metonidazole as tetanus drugs because these injections only have a short-term effect. These antibiotics prevent bacteria from multiplying and produce neurotoxins that cause muscle spasms and stiffness.

Who are the adults who need this vaccine?

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Tdap vaccine is required for all adults aged 19 and older who have never received the vaccine, especially:

• Health care workers who have direct contact with patients.
• Nurse for infants under 1 year of age, including parents, grandparents and babysitters
• Pregnant women in the third trimester (ideally 27 to 36 weeks), even if you have previously received the Tdap vaccine; This can protect the newborn from whooping cough in the first months of birth.
• New mothers who have never received Tdap - Neonatal tetanus usually come from infection when they cut the umbilical cord of the newborn.
• People traveling to countries infected with pertussis.

The Tdap vaccine is also given for those of you who have severe injuries or burns and have never received the vaccine. That's because severe cuts and burns can also increase the risk of tetanus.

The Tdap vaccine can be given at any time of the year. Only one injection is needed and can be given at the same time as other vaccinations.

The Tdap vaccine can be given regardless of the last time the Td vaccine was administered. The Tdap vaccine can be used safely for ages 65 and over. To keep your immune system primed against tetanus, a Td booster shot is needed every 10 years.

Who are the adults who are not recommended to undergo this vaccine?

You may not need to receive a tetanus shot if you:

• Have had a serious allergy to one of the vaccine ingredients before.
• Have a coma or seizure within a week of receiving a vaccination for whooping cough (such as DTaP), unless the vaccine is not the cause; Td can be used in this case.

If you experience any of the following, consult your doctor whether the Tdap or Td vaccine is right for you:

• Epilepsy or other nervous system problems
• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)
• Have a history of severe swelling or pain after receiving a pertussis, tetanus, or diphtheria vaccination in the past

If you are very sick, your doctor will usually recommend that you wait for the vaccinations after you recover. According to the CDC, you can still get a tetanus shot (or other type of vaccine) if you have a common illness, such as a low-grade fever, a cold, or a common cold cough.

What are the side effects of tetanus injections?

As with other vaccines, the injection for tetanus prevention may also cause some side effects. However, the side effects that appear may be mild and will disappear within a few days. These side effects include:

• Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Shaky
• Feel tired
• Headache
• Muscle ache

Fainting can also occur with any medical procedure, including vaccinations. However, keep in mind that common side effects are a sign that your body is starting to build up an immune system to fight disease.

Even so, you are advised to contact your doctor immediately if you experience the following severe allergy symptoms:

• Itchy rash
• Swelling of the face and throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Fast heart rate
• Dizzy
• Limp

Tetanus is a less common condition, but it can be dangerous. Therefore, vaccination is important as a preventive measure. Call your doctor right away if you experience symptoms that make you anxious.