Tetanus Shots and Surgery: What You Need to Know
Tetanus prophylaxis before surgery depends on vaccination history, wound type, and timing.
Guidelines (CDC/ACIP)
| History | Clean Minor Wound | All Other Wounds |
|---|
| <3 doses or unknown | Tdap/Td + TIG | Tdap/Td + TIG |
| ≥3 doses, last dose <10 yr | None | Tdap/Td if >5 yr |
| ≥3 doses, last dose ≥10 yr | Tdap/Td if >10 yr | Tdap/Td |
TIG = tetanus immune globulin (passive immunity).
Surgical Context
- Clean elective surgery: follow above based on history.
- Contaminated/dirty surgery: ensure up-to-date booster (≤5 yr for tetanus-prone).
- Immunocompromised: consider TIG regardless of history.
Practical Steps
- Review immunization record.
- If uncertain, give Tdap/Td (safe to repeat).
- Administer ≥2 weeks pre-op for active immunity (if booster needed).
- Document in chart.
Tetanus is preventable; prophylaxis is standard perioperative care.
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