When is the best time to get a tetanus shot?

Written by Zhang Peng
General Surgery
Updated on March 17, 2025
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Tetanus infection carries a certain mortality rate, with current statistics indicating that the death rate from tetanus infection can reach around 40%. Typically, tetanus is caused by an acute, specific infection resulting from the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani in human wounds, which produce toxins. Generally, it can only grow and reproduce in an anoxic environment, so it is most commonly found in soil, human and animal feces, and rust. For wounds, especially sharp and deep cuts, it is usually vital to administer a tetanus shot promptly. The choices generally are tetanus immunoglobulin or tetanus antitoxin, which have different half-lives; tetanus antitoxin generally lasts about three days, whereas tetanus immunoglobulin can last up to three weeks. Therefore, in the presence of high-risk infection factors, it is advisable to administer the injection as soon as possible, generally recommended within 24 hours.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
38sec home-news-image

Cut your finger, need a tetanus shot

The key is to assess the severity of the finger cut. If it's just a superficial skin scratch, then the wound is shallow, and it only requires disinfection with agents like iodophor or alcohol; there's no need for a tetanus shot. Conversely, if the cut on the finger is deep, such as reaching the subcutaneous fat or, in severe cases, the muscle layer, such deep wounds can easily lead to the growth and reproduction of tetanus bacillus, producing toxins and causing clinical symptoms in patients. Therefore, in such cases, it is recommended that patients go to the hospital to receive a tetanus antitoxin injection.

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Written by Xing Wen Jun
General Surgery
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Do I need a tetanus shot for a cut?

For patients with a cut on the epidermis, it is first important to determine what object caused the injury. If the injury is from a rusty iron object and the wound is small and deep, it is mostly considered that the patient needs local treatment. Firstly, the patient should wash the wound repeatedly under running water with soapy water, and then clean and disinfect locally with hydrogen peroxide. After air-drying, apply iodophor for disinfection, and finally cover with sterile dressing or a bandage. It is generally recommended that patients avoid getting the area wet for up to three weeks. Additionally, patients should consider getting a tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin injection within 24 hours. If the injury is from another type of object and the patient has already dressed the wound after local treatment, the likelihood of tetanus infection is generally considered lower. It is recommended that the patient change dressings in a timely manner and keep an eye on it. Moreover, within a month, the patient should avoid alcohol and eat less spicy and irritating foods.

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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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Is it necessary to get a tetanus shot?

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 Zhang Peng
General Surgery
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Can tetanus be cured now?

Tetanus infection is a rather terrifying disease. Currently, the World Health Organization considers that in environments lacking medical intervention, the mortality rate of tetanus can reach up to 100%. However, with current comprehensive and active treatment measures, the global mortality rate generally reaches about 20%-40%. In severe cases, especially in children or elderly patients, the fatality rate can exceed 70%. Yet, in most cases, if preventive treatments are promptly administered, they can be highly effective. Typically, within 12 to 24 hours after injury, passive immunization should be promptly conducted, usually choosing tetanus antitoxin or tetanus immunoglobulin. If this time period is exceeded and the patient has not shown symptoms, vaccination can still be administered. Even if symptoms develop, administering injections can still save lives and alleviate symptoms.