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ABC's of Tetanus Boosters for Adults

You were clearing weeds from the garden when you felt something stick your hand – it turned out to be a rusty piece of metal. The first question that races through your mind is “When did I have my last tetanus shot?”

Lauren Ludwig, MD, a specialist with Washington University Clinical Associates says, “The ‘alphabet soup’ of childhood vaccinations and boosters can be confusing. Tetanus immunization is part of the DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and accellular pertussis) vaccinations. Children typically receive four doses of DTaP vaccine before two years of age, followed by a booster dose at four to six years of age. After that, a booster (Tdap) is recommended at 11 to 12 years of age, and then a tetanus and diphtheria booster every 10 years through adulthood.”

Tetanus is a disease characterized by prolonged contraction of skeletal muscle fibers – also known as lockjaw. Infection occurs through wound contamination of bacteria with a cut or deep wound. Symptoms include muscle stiffness, difficulty swallowing, muscle spasms and seizures. It is a serious, but preventable disease. Without treatment, tetanus can be fatal.

According to Dr. Ludwig, any skin wound – especially a deep puncture or a wound that may be contaminated with soil, saliva or feces – should be cleaned and dressed right away. You should then call your doctor. She stresses that cleaning the wound is not a substitute for immunization.

It is important for your immunizations to be up-to-date. Post-injury treatment depends on the number of years since the patient’s last booster, the total number of tetanus vaccinations the patient has received, and the nature of the wound. Call 314-367-3113 to make an appointment with Dr. Ludwig.

Patients are seen at:

WUCA - Maryland Medical Group
1110 Highlands Plaza Drive, East, Suite 375
St. Louis, MO 63110

Lauren Ludwig, MD

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ABC's of Tetanus Boosters for Adults

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