Is it necessary to get a tetanus shot?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on June 03, 2025
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This depends on the condition of the wound. If the wound is deep and small, and there is insufficient oxygen, then treatment for tetanus is necessary. In cases of open fractures or blast injuries with heavy contamination, such as contamination with soil or rust, treatment for tetanus is mandatory. This is because tetanus is caused by the invasion of Clostridium tetani into human mucous membranes, producing a toxin that causes muscle spasms in the body, particularly affecting the jaw and respiratory muscles, leading to oxygen deprivation and asphyxiation. Therefore, if the wound requires treatment with a tetanus shot, treatment for tetanus is essential.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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How to administer an injection if the tetanus skin test is negative

A negative tetanus skin test indicates that there is no allergy to tetanus antitoxin, and 1500 to 3000 units of tetanus antitoxin can be directly administered via intramuscular injection in the upper arm or buttock. If the wound is heavily contaminated or the injection is not timely, the dose may be doubled or tripled at discretion, and it is also necessary to clean and dress the wound. The purpose of administering tetanus antitoxin via intramuscular injection is to prevent infection by Clostridium tetani. Therefore, patients with heavily contaminated or deep wounds must receive tetanus antitoxin treatment.

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Written by Gao Sen
General Surgery
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How deep must a nail puncture be to require a tetanus shot?

Tetanus is a specific infection caused by the invasion of Clostridium tetani through skin or mucosal wounds, leading to muscle spasms. Tetanus mainly causes damage to the respiratory tract, digestive system, and cardiovascular system. If not treated promptly, it can lead to suffocation, respiratory failure, and endanger life. Tetanus is preventable; in cases of open wounds at risk of tetanus infection, tetanus antitoxin should be administered for emergency prevention. Tetanus is widely present in feces and soil and can invade the human body through dust or direct contamination of wounds, leading to infection. Wounds that are small, deep, or heavily contaminated all require preventive tetanus vaccinations.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can tetanus be cured?

Tetanus is an infectious disease that can be cured. Generally, tetanus is considered to be caused by the infection of Clostridium tetani, which produces toxins. Clinically, it is mainly characterized by muscle tension and rigidity, such as lockjaw, difficulty opening the mouth, risus sardonicus, stiff neck, and opisthotonos. In severe cases, it can involve the respiratory muscles and diaphragm, causing difficulty breathing, respiratory arrest, and even cardiac arrest. When patients with tetanus receive standardized and systematic hospital treatment, and if there are no severe complications, the vast majority of patients can be cured.

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Written by Gao Jun
Emergency Surgery
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What should I do if the tetanus test is positive?

A positive tetanus result generally refers to a positive result in the tetanus antitoxin skin test. Tetanus antitoxin is primarily used to prevent tetanus infections. Some patients may experience allergic reactions to tetanus, manifesting as localized swelling, mild fever, and general discomfort during the skin test. In such cases, a desensitization injection method can be chosen, which involves administering the tetanus shot in several doses at intervals. Alternatively, tetanus immunoglobulin can be used, which is more expensive on the market but has the advantage of not requiring a skin test. It can be administered directly, safely, and effectively.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Which part of the body is the tetanus shot administered?

Tetanus injections are given as intramuscular injections in the upper arm or the buttock. Tetanus vaccines include tetanus antitoxin, which requires a skin test. Patients with a positive skin test must either undergo desensitization therapy or avoid using it, and can switch to tetanus immunoglobulin, which doesn't require a skin test but is more expensive than tetanus antitoxin. The purpose of the tetanus shot is to prevent infection by Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium. It is particularly important for patients with deep wounds or heavily contaminated wounds; or wounds contaminated with rust or soil to receive tetanus treatment to prevent Clostridium tetani from colonizing the body through wound mucosa and producing neurotoxins that affect breathing.