How many tetanus shots are administered?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on February 19, 2025
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A tetanus shot is sufficient; tetanus treatment can be divided into tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test. The tetanus bacillus is commonly found in anaerobic wounds and heavily contaminated wounds, such as those contaminated with soil and rust etc., which can lead to colonization of tetanus bacilli on human mucous membranes and invasion of the body, producing toxins that affect the jaw muscles and respiratory muscles, causing difficulty in breathing and, in severe cases, endangering life. Therefore, for patients who need antitetanus treatment, it is imperative to undergo such treatment, generally with just one injection.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan
General Surgery
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Is tetanus painful?

Tetanus is a specific infectious disease in surgery, caused by the exotoxin of Clostridium tetani. Tetanus infection can lead to rigid muscle spasms, which is a disease with a high mortality rate. Although its treatment is difficult, the prevention is effective, so tetanus infections can be avoided by vaccinating with the tetanus vaccine. The tetanus shot includes human tetanus immunoglobulin and tetanus antitoxin serum. The injection of human tetanus immunoglobulin is administered via muscle and is not very painful, generally tolerable. The injection of tetanus antitoxin serum, being a foreign protein to the body, requires an initial sensitivity test. The pain is evident, as the sensitivity test involves a skin prick.

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Written by Ma Xian Shi
General Surgery
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How to administer a tetanus shot: steps

First, an allergy test must be conducted. Based on the results of the allergy test, the application of tetanus antitoxin is decided. The allergy test involves drawing 0.1 ml of antitoxin serum, diluting it with 0.9 ml of isotonic saline, and then injecting 0.05 to 0.1 ml of the diluted solution intradermally on the flexor side of the forearm. An equivalent amount of isotonic saline is injected on the other forearm as a control. Observe for 15-30 minutes. If there is no nodule or resistance at the injection site, it is a negative result. Patients with a negative result can have the rest of the original liquid injected subcutaneously. If a red nodule of about one centimeter or resistance appears at the serum injection site, the allergy test is positive. In this case, a desensitization injection is needed. The desensitization injection involves diluting the required injection fluid and the antitoxin serum with isotonic saline to ten times the volume and administering it subcutaneously in divided doses. After dilution to ten times the volume, which is 10 ml, the initial dose of 1 ml is administered, followed by 2 ml, 3 ml, and 4 ml, with each injection spaced 30 minutes apart until completed.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Can you get a tetanus shot when you have a cold?

The patient is in a state of having a cold. During this time, if a part of the body is injured and the wound is deep, there is a possibility of infection by tetanus bacillus, which can cause corresponding clinical symptoms. This is because the deep wound facilitates the growth and reproduction of tetanus bacillus, producing exotoxins, mainly the spasm toxin, which can cause the patient to exhibit symptoms related to tetanus. Therefore, even if the patient has a cold, it is advised to seek timely medical treatment at a hospital for wound disinfection and to receive a tetanus antitoxin injection. Having a cold is not a contraindication for receiving a tetanus shot.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Can I get a tetanus shot in the emergency room?

The injection of tetanus shots is performed in the emergency department of regular hospitals. Tetanus shots are divided into tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test. If the skin test for tetanus toxoid is positive, indicating an allergy, it cannot be injected, and must be replaced with the slightly more expensive tetanus immunoglobulin. It is generally recommended to administer the injection within 24 hours after injury to prevent infection by Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani is an anaerobic bacterium. It is necessary to administer tetanus treatment for injuries that are deep, in anaerobic conditions, contaminated, heavily contaminated with soil, rust, open fractures, etc., since these conditions can be conducive to tetanus infection.

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Written by Zhang Peng
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How long does tetanus antibody last?

The duration of tetanus antibodies varies under two scenarios. The first is passive immunity, which is achieved through injections such as tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin. The duration of immunity provided by these injections is relatively short. Typically, tetanus antitoxin lasts about four days, while tetanus immunoglobulin can last up to three weeks. After this period, the levels of antibodies gradually decrease, and the body may no longer be protected. Therefore, a single application of tetanus antitoxin or immunoglobulin does not provide long-lasting immunity. The second scenario involves antibodies produced by active immunity, generally through the injection of a vaccine made from attenuated tetanus bacilli. Antibodies usually start to develop about ten days after vaccination, with levels gradually increasing over two to three months and remaining high. This type of immunity lasts up to about ten years, but it is not lifelong. Regular boosters, guided by relevant tests, are required to maintain immunity.