In what situations should tetanus shots not be administered?

Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
Updated on May 25, 2025
00:00
00:00

Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani, which settles in the human body through mucous membranes and wounds, producing spasm-inducing neurotoxins that affect the body's muscle groups, particularly the masseter and respiratory muscles, leading to the ceasing of respiratory circulation and endangering life. Therefore, for patients with deep wounds, heavily contaminated wounds, and extensive open fractures, it is essential to administer tetanus antitoxin treatment. If the wound is superficial, clean, and dry, the patient may consider forgoing tetanus antitoxin treatment under the condition of proper wound debridement and dressing changes. However, for patients with large wound areas, deep and severely contaminated wounds, and those whose wounds are not redressed timely, it is crucial to administer tetanus antitoxin treatment.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
38sec home-news-image

Where to get a tetanus shot?

Tetanus shots are available in the emergency departments of public hospitals and are generally recommended to be administered within 24 hours after injury. It is advised not to drink alcohol before the injection, as standard tetanus toxoids need a skin test, and alcohol consumption can cause generalized skin flushing, affecting the test results. Tetanus shots are especially recommended for wounds that are heavily contaminated with dirt, rust, are from open fractures, or are deep, creating an anaerobic environment, as the bacterium Clostridium tetani is anaerobic and can lead to severe infections once contracted.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
39sec home-news-image

How long does a tetanus shot last?

Tetanus bacillus is relatively common in daily life. Once an infection of this kind occurs, or is suspected, a tetanus vaccine must be administered. The effectiveness of the tetanus vaccine lasts about a week. After this period, it no longer has any special therapeutic effects. This means that administering the vaccine during the onset of the disease can only temporarily help with prevention. If similar infections occur in the future, the vaccine should be administered again. Although the effective period of the tetanus vaccine is very short, as long as it is administered promptly when there is a risk, its safety is still relatively high and it can provide better prevention.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
47sec home-news-image

When does tetanus occur?

Tetanus is an infection caused by the invasion of the body by Clostridium tetani. Clostridium tetani is an anaerobic bacterium and an opportunistic pathogen, which is likely to cause tetanus in conditions such as anaerobic environments, deep wounds, or heavily contaminated wounds. Therefore, in cases where wounds are relatively small yet deep, and are considered to be in an anaerobic environment, or are contaminated with rust or soil, or in situations such as open fractures, blast injuries, gunshot wounds, and animal bites, tetanus injection treatment is necessary. It is generally recommended to administer the injection within 24 hours, and a skin test should be conducted before the injection, with alcohol consumption prohibited.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Gao Jun
Emergency Surgery
43sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
37sec home-news-image

Can superficial wounds get tetanus?

Tetanus infection commonly occurs in deeper wounds, for instance, wounds that reach the subcutaneous fat layer, and in severe cases, even the muscle layer. Such deep wounds can create an anaerobic environment, and Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium, thrives in this oxygen-free environment. It can secrete various bacterial toxins, thereby causing tetanus in patients. Therefore, tetanus generally occurs in deep wounds. For superficial wounds, the chance of contracting tetanus is almost zero if the wound is properly disinfected locally.