When receiving a tetanus shot, there is some pain involved, but the pain is generally not very severe, and most patients can tolerate it. Tetanus shots are primarily for preventing tetanus infection. Before administering the shot, a skin test is usually required, which involves injecting the drug intradermally on the inner side of the forearm. The skin test may cause more noticeable pain. Patients typically need a tetanus shot when they have wounds, usually deep wounds, which may create anaerobic conditions within the wound. This can lead to a significant proliferation of Clostridium tetani, thus necessitating the administration of tetanus antitoxin to prevent tetanus infection.