Question 1

when should i take  tetanus vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If you can't remember it is likely 10 years since your last shot. If activities like gardening expose you to spores you should consider a booster even sooner. If your life ever brings you in contact with infants, you should consider the tdap which adds coverage for pertussis, which adults can get even if immunized as babies. This would prevent you from passing it to a baby.

Question 2

how often do you get a tetanus vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Tetanus Vaccine: The schedule for tetanus vaccine: 
children - 2, 4, 6, and 15 - 18 months, then between 4 -6 years of age, with a booster every 10 years;
adults not immunized:
2 doses given 4 - 8 weeks apart, 3rd dose after another 6 months, then boosters every 10 years.
Usually given in children as dtap = diphtheria / tetanus / pertussis.

Question 3

when did tetanus vaccine become available?

Accepted Answer

1924: It was first used in the military and is now readily available in many safe formulations.

Question 4

what causes a reaction to the tetanus vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Pobably the stress: Even a needle can distress some people. If there is an unknown risk factor (e.g. Minor genetic) it could be the "last straw on the camel's back". Overall good health is the greatest protection.

Question 5

how long does a tetanus vaccine cover you for?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If you are an adult, the booster will give most folks 10 years of protection. If your work puts your hands in the soil often like landscaping etc, you might get a booster sooner.

Question 6

how often should an adult receive the tetanus vaccine?

Accepted Answer

About ten years: Everything you ever wanted to know about all immunizations, including the tetanus vaccine can be found at-

http://www.Cdc.Gov/vaccines/

great material there. Will answer all possible questions.

Question 7

but does the tetanus vaccine actually work? what does it do?

Accepted Answer

Anti-toxin antibody: The tetanus vaccine is a toxoid. An inactivated material that simulates the tetanus toxin and triggers the immune system to create blocking antibodies to tetanus toxin.If you have circulating anti-toxin antibodies, the toxin produced by a tetanus germ is neutralized and cannot give you tetanus. It has been around and found useful since 1943.

Question 8

can you take another tetanus vaccine two weeks after the other??

Accepted Answer

: Can or should? There is no reason to take a 2nd tetanus toxoid booster 2 weeks from the first. The 1st dose will cover a 2nd exposure. If taking the primary series (never had it before) these are usually given no closer than 6 weeks apart.

Question 9

what happens when i get a tetanus vaccine too close to the last on?

Accepted Answer

More discomfort: The td (tetanus and diptheria) is recommended ten years apart in the absence of significant injuries. They're given closer together when indicated for injuries.  The tdap (tetanus, diptheria and pertussis) is recommended as a one time dose for adults. When indicated, the tdap can be given at any interval after the last tetanus containing vaccine. More swelling, pain and fever with closer spacing.

Question 10

can i still get a tetanus vaccine 24 hours after a possible exposure?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes you can get a tetanus vaccine even days after an exposure but the sooner the better.

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Can i still get a tetanus vaccine 24 hours after a possible exposure?

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