When is the latest time to get a tetanus shot?

Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on May 18, 2025
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Tetanus bacillus can be prevented by the injection of tetanus antitoxin, and it is best to administer it within about a week. Generally, the sooner the vaccine is administered, the better, with the most effective safety period being within 24 hours. That is, if the tetanus antitoxin can be injected within 24 hours, the probability of developing tetanus will almost drop to zero. Of course, it is usually possible to inject this vaccine within this week, as the incubation and onset period of tetanus bacillus generally occurs within a week. Therefore, the earlier the treatment, the higher the probability of prevention. Of course, this vaccine should be used only when certain symptoms appear, and it must not exceed one week. If it exceeds one week, the tetanus antitoxin may become ineffective.

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Will a scrape lead to tetanus?

When a tetanus infection occurs, the wound is generally quite deep, for instance, reaching the subcutaneous fat or even the muscle layer in severe cases. Such deep wounds can create an anaerobic environment, which is conducive for the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium. This bacterium produces exotoxins, primarily the tetanospasmin, which causes the associated clinical symptoms in patients. If it's merely a scrape or a superficial wound, tetanus infection is unlikely. Clinically, what is needed for such abrasions is to disinfect the area with iodine and then bandage it appropriately.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can tetanus be cured?

If the patient does not have severe complications, most cases of tetanus can be cured. Tetanus is usually a specific infection caused by toxins secreted by Clostridium tetani. The incubation period for tetanus is usually six to seven days, but it can be as short as within 24 hours or as long as several months or even years. Therefore, after cleaning a wound, it is important to get a tetanus vaccine at a formal hospital. When tetanus occurs, we should actively go to the hospital for formal and systematic treatment, as the vast majority of patients can be cured.

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Written by Gao Sen
General Surgery
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Tetanus 0.1ml how many units

In general, the dose of tetanus toxoid is 1500 international units per dose, approximately 1 ml per dose, and generally about 150 international units per 0.1 ml, which can be referred to the instructions. The use of tetanus toxoid should be avoided blindly and should be administered under the guidance of a physician. Additionally, wound cleaning and disinfection should be performed before administering tetanus toxoid. Furthermore, anti-infection treatment should be considered based on the contamination of the wound.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How long is a tetanus shot effective?

Tetanus generally refers to a specific type of infection caused by the entry of tetanus bacillus into the body through broken skin or mucous membranes, where it produces a large amount of toxin. Typically, the incubation period for tetanus is 6 to 7 days, but it can be as short as within 24 hours or as long as several months or even years. Therefore, if there is a wound, the first thing to do is to clean the wound with hydrogen peroxide or saline. Then, it is best to go to the hospital to get a tetanus vaccine within 24 hours. If the tetanus vaccine is not administered within 24 hours, it can still be effective if given within a week.

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Written by Xu Jun Hui
General Surgery
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Where to get a tetanus shot

Tetanus shots can be administered at the emergency department of a regular public hospital. Tetanus toxoid requires a skin test, and if the result is positive indicating an allergy, it cannot be administered; tetanus immunoglobulin does not require a skin test and can be used directly. Alcohol consumption should be avoided before receiving a tetanus shot, as it can affect the results of the skin test, leading to inaccurate indications for the tetanus injection, and impacting its effectiveness. Tetanus shots can be administered at the emergency department of a public hospital.