Because of my job I spend a lot of time outdoors using tools. I probably get a cut or scrape that draws blood at least once a week. Travel Clinic of NY explained to me the importance of a tetanus vaccine for someone with a job like mine. I always thought tetanus was caught from rusty nails, but it’s actually caught from infected soil getting into a wound. Good thing I know now. These days I go to work confident I won’t catch tetanus. 
FAQs
What is Tetanus?
Tetanus is an acute disease caused by the action of tetanus toxin.
What are the symptoms of Tetanus?
The symptoms of tetanus are characterized by generalized inflexibility and spasms of skeletal muscles.
Where is it common?
It is a significant public health problem throughout the world but in non-industrialized countries. There are about one million cases of tetanus reported worldwide
Who should get vaccinated for Tetanus?
All people should receive tetanus vaccine as part of the childhood vaccination program. Schedule consists of:
- An original course: three doses of vaccine (as Td/IPV) one month apart.
- Two booster doses: the first 5–10 years after the last dose of the primary course, and the second 10 years later.
How long prior to traveling should the tetanus vaccine be administered?
- If the person has never been vaccinated it is usually worth giving the maximum number of doses of tetanus vaccine that the travel departure date allows and completing the course upon return.
- Travelers should get a booster dose of tetanus vaccine before departure to areas where medical attention may not be accessible and whose last booster dose of a tetanus vaccine was more than 10 years ago
Who should get a tetanus booster dose only?
Tetanus booster should be administered to:- Anyone who has not received two booster doses at appropriate intervals.
- Anyone who has been fully vaccinated (received five doses), has not received a booster dose in the last 10 years, and is travelling to areas where medical attention may not be accessible
Who should not get vaccinated?
- People with acute febrile illness (high fever)
- People with a confirmed anaphylactic reaction(rash, lip or tongue swelling, shortness of breath, etc.) to a previous dose of tetanus vaccine
- Has had a confirmed serious allergic reaction to neomycin, streptomycin, or polymyxin
What should be expected post vaccination?
- Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site are common and may occur more frequently following subsequent doses; this usually disappears and is of no consequence.
- Severe reaction occurs extremely rarely.
Where can traveler get tetanus shot in New York?
Tetanus shot can be promptly and safely administered in our certified conveniently located Travel Clinic in Midtown Manhattan.
Please contact us today at (212) 696 5900 to ensure you travel safety.
For more information please go to: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/tetanus/default.htm