Announcement
Have you had your tetanus shot?
May 1, 2005

Tetanus is a serious illness that causes serious, painful, spasms of all muscles. It can lead to lockjaw.  Tetanus is fatal in about 30% of all reported cases.  Recovery from tetanus may take months.   

Signs include:

• fever
• sweating
• elevated blood pressure
• rapid heart rate  
• painful muscle spasms

While reports of tetanus have dropped dramatically since the introduction of the tetanus vaccine in the mid-1940's, about 40 cases occur each year in the United States.  

Tetanus is Preventable

The good news, however, is that tetanus is preventable through vaccination.  Children in Ohio are required to receive four doses of tetanus vaccine before they enter kindergarten (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis -Dtap).   

Others who have not had three doses of tetanus vaccine in their lifetime or who haven't had a dose in 10 years or more should get the TD (Tetanus-Diphtheria) vaccine. 

Get a Booster

If an injury occurs, you should get a TD booster if you haven't had it within the past five years.

Talk to your healthcare provider about receiving the tetanus-diphtheria vaccine or get it through the Columbus Public Health's CPH Immunization Program.