Tetanus
Tetanus vaccination
Source: NHS
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A tetanus vaccination is given as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme .
The full course of the vaccination requires five injections, usuallygiven on the following schedule:
- the first three doses are given as part of the 5-in-1 vaccine for babies at eight, 12 and 16 weeks
- a booster dose is given as part of the 4-in-1 pre-school booster at three years and four monthsof age
- a final booster is given as part of the 3-in-1 teenager booster at 14 years of age
This course of five injections should provide long-lasting protection against tetanus.However, if you or your child has a deep or dirty wound, it's best to get medical advice.
If you're not sure whether you've had the full vaccination course, contact your GP surgery for advice. It is possible to fully vaccinate older children and adults who weren't vaccinated when they were younger.
Articles for Tetanus
How tetanus is treated
If your doctor thinks youcould develop tetanus but you haven't had any symptoms yet, they will clean any wounds you have and give you an injection of tetanus immunoglobulin . They may also give you a
How you get tetanus
Tetanus is caused by bacteria called Clostridium tetani. These bacteria can survive for a long time outside the body, and are commonly found in soil and the manure of animals such as horses and cows.
Introduction
Tetanus is a serious but rare condition caused by bacteria getting into a wound. Read about the symptoms, how it's treated, and the tetanus vaccination.
Signs and symptoms of tetanus
The symptoms of tetanus usually develop within4 to 21 days after infection. On average, they start after around 10 days. The main symptoms include: stiffness in your jaw muscles (lockjaw) this can
Tetanus vaccination
A tetanus vaccination is given as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme . The full course of the vaccination requires five injections, usuallygiven on the following schedule: the first th
Tetanus vaccination for travel
Tetanus is found throughout the world, so you should ideally make sure you're fully vaccinated before travelling abroad. Contact your GP surgery for advice if you're planning on travelling abroad and
When to seek medical advice
You should contact your GP or visit your nearest minor injuries unit if you're concerned about a wound, particularly if: the wound is deep the wound contains dirt or a foreign object you haven't