This image is a micrograph depicting a group of Clostridium tetani bacteria. This is the bacteria that cause tetanus.
Tetanus is an uncommon disease that is preventable with vaccination. The bacteria that cause tetanus are found in soil, dust, and manure, and everyday environments. It’s pretty much everywhere.
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Puncture wounds (such as with pins or nails) and broken-skin wounds that become contaminated with dirt are among the most common ways people could contract tetanus. (That’s actually what brought this all to mind – I was reading a forum post where people were talking about the different types of nails they shot into or through various body parts.)
The CDC reports that an average of 29 tetanus cases were reported each year between 1996 and 2009, and that nearly all cases afflicted people who have never had a tetanus vaccine or adults who don’t stay up to date on their 10-year booster shots.
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, causes painful tightening of muscles, typically all over the body. When jaw muscles are affected, a person infected with tetanus will be unable to open their mouth or even swallow, which is where lockjaw came from. 1 in 10 tetanus cases result in death.
Adults should receive a tetanus booster vaccination at least once every 10 years. If you are treated for a cut/scrape/scratch/puncture, or other related injury, you might receive an additional booster shot as a precaution, especially if you don’t recall when you last had a booster shot.
So, when was your last tetanus booster shot?
For me, it was sometime in 2010. When I went to the ER in June for a deep cut that was definitely not my fault, the first thing they asked was whether I had a recent tetanus shot.
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If you haven’t had a tetanus vaccine booster shot in the last 10 years or so, you should consider getting one soon.
More Info on Tetanus (via CDC Travel Info, as this page has a lot of condensed helpful information)
More Info on Tetanus Vaccine (via CDC)
If you have medical insurance, the price of the vaccine might be covered. If you don’t have insurance, your local pharmacy might be able to administer the vaccine.
The price for a tetanus vaccination booster shot will vary depending on your location and pharmacy of choice. A quick Google search revealed prices ranging from $32 to $70 at a couple of different pharmacies in my area.
MT_Noob
Good reminder, I had gone 20 years without knowing that you needed boosters for tetanus. But as soon as I found out I got it right away. As often as I cut, nick, splinter etc myself (both inside the tool shop and outside), I wanted to be sure I was safe.
Cameron
just got mine a few months ago!!
Kevin
wise words,I’m well overdue for mine.
george
I get one about every 5 years. got mine last year.
made sure all my mechanics got theirs.
jeff_williams
If you haven’t, make sure you get the Tdap instead of the Td booster. The “ap” is for acellular pertussis… whooping cough. Adults and adolescents are the primary carriers.
DanG
Great reminder Stuart. Gets everyone’s attention and thinking. I really enjoy reading your articles and bringing up a topic like this is fantastic awareness.
Grady Bookout
01-02-06. I dropped a newly sharpened chisel, it stuck into my wrist. I had my head up my rear and could not see what I was doing. It happens.
Sean
Ive been a certified EMT for the last 4 years
the rule of thumb is you should get your tetanus shot every 5 years. If you get cut or any injury involving with metal and its been 3 years since youve gotten a tetanus it is highly suggested to go get a tetanus shot again. If you cut yourself with rusted metal and it requires stitches the treating physician will most likely give you a new tetanus shot