How many shots are given for tetanus?

Written by Gao Tian

General Surgery

Updated on May 07, 2025

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Generally, a single injection is enough.

Therefore, it is recommended to go to surgery for thorough debridement and disinfection. Subsequent treatment will be based on the results, and generally, if handled promptly, there shouldn't be any major issues. Also, avoid spicy and irritating foods during the treatment period, and consider eating some foods that help with wound healing, such as proteins. Afterwards, keep the wound clean and dry, change dressings regularly, and have regular check-ups. This is not a big issue and can recover quickly with proper care.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui

General Surgery

45sec

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Can you drink alcohol after a tetanus shot?

Before undergoing tetanus treatment, it is advised not to drink alcohol. This is because there are two types of tetanus injections: the tetanus toxoid, which requires a skin test, and the tetanus immunoglobulin, which does not require a skin test. Drinking alcohol causes the capillaries to dilate, leading to skin redness, which can affect the results of the skin test. A positive result in the skin test, indicated by skin redness, means that tetanus toxoid cannot be administered, and instead, the more expensive tetanus immunoglobulin must be used. Moreover, for deeper wounds such as open injuries and fractures, tetanus treatment is essential. Tetanus infection can have severe consequences if not treated properly.

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Written by Ai Bing Quan

General Surgery

57sec

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How to treat tetanus?

Generally speaking, a tetanus shot needs to be administered intramuscularly, but a skin test must be conducted before injection because tetanus vaccines can easily cause allergic reactions. The skin test usually involves a subcutaneous injection on the palm side of the forearm, followed by an observation period of 15 to 20 minutes. If there is no redness or itching, and the skin test is negative, then the vaccine can be administered intramuscularly, usually in the buttock. However, if the skin test is positive, as indicated by symptoms like redness, significant itching, or even systemic symptoms such as dizziness and cold sweats, it shows that the skin test for tetanus is positive. In this case, one can opt for a desensitization injection of diluted tetanus vaccine, followed by intramuscular injections four times, once every half hour, needing about two hours to complete.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan

General Surgery

44sec

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Can you get tetanus from a plastic scratch?

In clinical practice, all injuries, if the wound is relatively deep, such as being cut by a sharp object into the subcutaneous tissue or even damaging the tendons, reaching the muscle tissue, can potentially be infected by tetanus. Wounds inflicted by plastic can also be infected by tetanus. In such deep wounds, Clostridium tetani can easily grow and reproduce. This bacterium can produce a toxin that causes muscle spasms, leading to related clinical symptoms. Therefore, if a plastic injury results in a deep wound, there is a risk of tetanus infection. It is advised that the patient seeks medical attention promptly, undergoes wound disinfection, and receives an injection of tetanus antitoxin to prevent infection.

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Written by Li Jin Quan

General Surgery

38sec

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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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Written by Tang Da Wei

General Surgery

48sec

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Where is the tetanus shot given?

Tetanus injections require administration into the muscle, typically in the deltoid or gluteus maximus, which is below the patient's shoulder or on the buttocks. Before administering a tetanus shot, a skin test is usually performed. The test takes place on the inner side of the forearm, where 0.1ml of the solution is injected. Patients might experience some pain during the tetanus shot, but most can tolerate it. The tetanus shot effectively prevents tetanus infections, especially in cases where the wound is deep with a small surface area that can create anaerobic conditions conducive to the colonization and proliferation of Clostridium tetani, leading to tetanus infection. Vaccination can effectively prevent some serious diseases.