The importance of tetanus vaccines and what you need to know
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EmailA radio interview with Reyna Atkins, a 4-H Community Health Ambassador.
In May 2024, Reyna Atkinson, a 4-H Community Health Ambassador with the Michigan Vaccine Project was featured on the Delany in the Morning show broadcasted on WTVB (1590 AM) radio station in Southeast Michigan. Her segment focused on providing evidence-based information on tetanus, how it is contracted, associated risks, prevention, and recommended vaccines. This article provides an overview of her interview that was heard by WTVB’s 9,000 listeners.
Clostridium tetani (tetanus) spores are generally found in the environment, and unlike other vaccine-preventable diseases, tetanus does not spread from person to person. Individuals are commonly exposed to tetanus spores that develop into bacteria through broken skin such as injury sites with dead tissue, wounds, or cuts that come into contact with dirt, fecal matter, and saliva. Additionally, it can be contacted through puncture wounds from rusted metal.
Symptoms of tetanus typically become present eight days after exposure but can present 3 to 21 days after exposure. Those infected may experience jaw spasms, headaches, full-body muscle stiffness, fevers, and seizures.
To protect yourself and your family from tetanus, routine vaccinations are recommended. These vaccines will also help prevent diphtheria and pertussis.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, recommends the following vaccine schedule.
Children receive the Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis (DTaP) vaccine
- Three vaccines at 2, 4, and 6 months old
- One dose between the ages of 15-18 months old
- One dose between the ages of 4 and 6 years old
Preteens receive Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
- One dose between the ages of 11-12 years old
Adults should receive Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) or Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap)
- One dose every 10 years.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides updated vaccination schedules for children birth to 18 and recommendations for adults ages 19 years or older. To ensure you are up to date on your vaccinations, consult your healthcare provider today.
Where can you find vaccines?
To find a vaccine, check with your primary care physician, local health departments, pharmacies, and clinics. You can also visit www.vaccines.gov to locate a vaccine clinic near you.
If you would like to learn more about vaccines, check out Michigan State University Extension’s Michigan Vaccine Project to find links to event schedules, podcasts, publications, webinars, and videos relating to vaccine education.
