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Although it is commonly given to babies and children, it turns out that adults also need to get regular tetanus injections. Unfortunately, many people think that adult tetanus shots are only needed if the person steps on a nail or other rusting difference, to prevent tetanus. In fact, there are several other conditions that require you to be vaccinated again.
The function of tetanus injection for adults
The tetanus vaccine will be given simultaneously with the diphtheria and pertussis vaccines, so it is called the Tdap vaccine. The Tdap vaccine is intended for children and older adults. Just as the name implies, this tetanus injection functions to protect yourself from tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Tdap vaccine is required for all adults 19 years and older who have never received the vaccine. Not only once, this type of vaccine also needs to be done regularly every 10 years.
Who needs tetanus shots as adults?
If you experience an injury from stepping on a nail or other sharp, corroded object, it is recommended that you get a tetanus shot immediately. Because, the object could have been contaminated with bacteriaClostridium tetani which can cause tetanus symptoms in the body.
Especially for those of you who haven't been vaccinated against tetanus in the last five years, there is no reason for you to get a tetanus shot immediately.
Apart from stepping on nails, there are several other things that make it important to do regular tetanus injections in adults. Among them:
- Have had serious injuries or burns and have not been vaccinated. If not, this can increase the risk of tetanus.
- Have diabetes and are at high risk of developing tetanus, especially if you have never been vaccinated before.
- Frequent direct contact with infants under 1 year of age, for example, parents, grandparents, to babysitters.
- Health care workers who have frequent direct contact with patients.
- Pregnant woman in the third trimester (ideally at 27-36 weeks of gestation). Especially for those of you who have never had a tetanus shot before, this aims to protect the future baby from the risk of pertussis (whooping cough).
- Just recovering from tetanus.
Tetanus shots for adults need to be done regularly, at least every 10 years. The reason is, this type of vaccine cannot provide lifelong immunity.
Moreover, the protective effect of this vaccine will usually start to wear off after about 10 years. If you experience one or more of the conditions above, you should immediately get the tetanus vaccine at the nearest health service.
