Tetanus Shots: When You Need One and Symptoms to Watch For

Consider a tetanus booster if:

• Wound type: Deep, puncture, or contaminated (dirt, rust, manure).
• Vaccination history: None, or >10 years since last dose.
• Exposure risk: High-risk environment (farming, construction, animal work).

When in doubt, get the shot—tetanus can be fatal.

Tetanus Symptoms

• Muscle stiffness (neck, jaw)
• Difficulty swallowing
• Headache, fever, sweating
• Anxiety, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure

Seek immediate care if symptoms appear.