Tetanus

Tetanus Vaccine for Travel

What is Tetanus?

Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. It enters the body through wounds or cuts and produces toxins that affect the nervous system.

Tetanus can cause severe muscle stiffness, spasms, and can be potentially life-threatening if left untreated.  

How to Prevent Tetanus?

Prevention of Tetanus includes maintaining good hygiene, wound care, such as thoroughly cleaning any wounds to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria, seeking medical attention for deep or dirty wounds, and vaccination. 

Is Tetanus Vaccine Necessary?

Diphtheria, Tetanus, and acellular Pertussis (DTaP) is a part of routine childhood vaccinations, but immunity weans with time and anyone who has not received a dose in the last 10 years, would benefit from a booster. One adult dose of Tdap is usually recommended, followed by subsequent boosters of Td.

  • DTaP (for younger children)
  • Tdap (for adolescents and adults)
  • Td (for adolescents and adults)

Your Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional will review your medical history, vaccination records, and itinerary for different combination vaccines against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (e.g., Tdap and Td) to ensure full protection against these potentially life-threatening diseases while abroad. 

To find out if your destination(s) require the Tetanus vaccine, consult a Rockdoc Travel Medicine Professional here.

We have made every effort to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the provided information, however, it is not feasible for us to update daily. Please book a virtual consultation with one of our Travel Medicine Professionals for current, personalized advice and answers to any questions you may have.

Is Tetanus Serious Disease?

Symptoms of Streptococcus Pneumonia include:

  • Stiffness in muscles, particularly jaw, neck and abdomen
  • Muscle spasms
  • Lockjaw, difficulty opening mouth or swallowing
  • Difficulty breathing, respiratory muscles can become affected, leading to breathing difficulties or even respiratory failure
  • Fever
  • Sweating and rapid heartbeat
  • Irritability
  • Painful muscle contractions
  • Opisthotonus (arching of the back) 
  • Increased blood pressure

Symptoms can worsen over time and lead to serious complications. If you suspect you have tetanus or have suffered a deep or contaminated wound, seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Dr. Sam Gutman

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Dr. Shaan Pawa

Associate Medical Director
MD CCFP-EM CTH®

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Medical Operations Manager
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Contact Us

Do you have questions about Virtual Travel Clinic? Find answers to the most frequently asked questions here, or chat with one of our friendly Customer Success representatives.

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