Where is the tetanus shot administered?

Written by Li Jin Quan

General Surgery

Updated on April 17, 2025

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When there is a risk of tetanus infection due to contamination and suspected foreign objects in a wound, it is best to go to the hospital within 24 hours to get a tetanus vaccine. Currently, there are mainly two injection sites for the tetanus vaccine: one is the deltoid area of the upper arm, and the other is the upper outer side of the gluteus maximus in the buttocks. Most hospitals now advocate administering the tetanus injection in the gluteus maximus. After the injection, observe for half an hour before leaving.

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How to administer a tetanus shot if it is negative?

A negative tetanus needle test indicates that the patient is not allergic to the tetanus antitoxin and can continue with intramuscular injections, typically administered in the upper arm or buttock muscles, in doses ranging from 1000 to 3000 units each time. If the infection is severe or the tetanus injection is not timely, the dosage may be appropriately increased, generally by one to two times. The purpose of administering tetanus antitoxin treatment is to prevent infection by Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium. For patients with deep wounds or heavily contaminated wounds, such as those contaminated with soil or rust, Clostridium tetani can easily colonize. Therefore, for such patients, it is essential to perform tetanus antitoxin treatment while cleaning and dressing the wound.

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Can tetanus be cured in its early stages?

Whether tetanus can be cured in the early stages depends on the severity of the condition and the individual's constitution. If the tetanus is mild, indicating a lighter infection, treatment might be relatively easier. Through symptomatic treatment and anti-tetanus bacillus therapy, the condition can be alleviated and improved. However, if the tetanus is severe, with persistent convulsions and various complications, treatment becomes more complicated and may lead to death. Therefore, if an injury occurs, proactive measures should be taken to treat the wound to reduce the risk of tetanus infection. Also, within 24 hours, one should go to the hospital to receive tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin to prevent the onset of tetanus.

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What should not be eaten after a tetanus shot?

After a tetanus injection, one should avoid spicy and irritating foods, such as chili peppers, barbecue, and garlic, as these foods may cause inflammatory stimulation and increase the burden on liver function, potentially leading to unnecessary side effects. Additionally, patients should avoid hard-to-digest foods and primarily consume a light diet, eating plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, which is beneficial in controlling the condition. Also, alcohol should be avoided after a tetanus vaccination to prevent adverse reactions from drinking. Tetanus is a severe disease, and there are no specific drugs for its acute episodes, so prevention is crucial, especially for deep tissue burns, where a timely tetanus shot should be administered.

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What are the initial symptoms of tetanus?

Usually, the tetanus we talk about is a specific infection caused by the toxins produced by Clostridium tetani entering the body through the damaged skin and mucous membranes. Tetanus has some early symptoms and some characteristic symptoms during an attack. Early symptoms mainly include dizziness, headache, fatigue, decreased appetite, difficulty in chewing, some soreness in the jaw muscles, cyanosis of some muscles, or some reflexive muscle pain. If the condition worsens, it can enter a convulsive phase, characterized by lockjaw, difficulty in opening the mouth, a sardonic smile, and stiffness of the neck.

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General Surgery

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Tetanus allergic symptoms

The primary allergic reaction to tetanus is anaphylactic shock. Some patients may experience skin redness, itching, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, pale complexion, and cold sweats within minutes after receiving the tetanus vaccine. Some may also experience nausea, vomiting, and even abdominal pain. Additionally, blood pressure may drop, and the pulse may slow down. In severe cases, coma can occur, and even cessation of heartbeat and breathing. The second type of allergic reaction is serum sickness, which can occur after a tetanus injection, characterized by erythema, edema, and itching at the injection site.