When to Get a Tetanus Shot

/ Medsana News / By

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani; a type of bacteria that can be found in soil. The bacteria make a toxin in your body that causes the disease.

Symptoms include:

Microscopic View of Tetanus
  • muscle spasms, especially in the face and neck (lockjaw)
  • painful fits that can last for minutes
  • not being able to open your mouth (lockjaw)
  • swallowing problems
  • breathing problems
  • heart problems
  • fever

Why and when should I get vaccinated?

Around 1 in 10 people who get the disease will die from it. Babies and older people have the highest risk of dying from tetanus

Immunisation protects against tetanus toxin. Tetanus-containing vaccines prevent disease by making antibodies that bind to the toxin, rather than the bacteria.

  • Infants and children are recommended to receive tetanus-containing vaccine in a five-dose schedule given at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age, and 4 years of age.
  • A booster dose of tetanus-containing vaccine is recommended for adolescents between 11 and 13 years of age.
  • A tetanus-containing vaccine booster is recommended for all adults at 50 years of age and at 65 years of age if it is more than 10 years since the last dose.
  • Vaccination is recommended every 10 years for travellers to countries where health services are difficult to access. Travellers with a higher risk of a tetanus-prone wound are recommended to be vaccinated every 5 years.
  • Adolescents and adults who have never had a tetanus-containing vaccine are recommended to receive 3 doses of tetanus-containing vaccine with at least 4 weeks between doses, and booster doses at 10 years and 20 years after the primary course.

Some wounds are more likely to encourage the growth of tetanus bacteria. Examples of these wounds are:

  • compound fractures (the broken bone pierces the skin)
  • burns
  • animal bites
  • any type of penetrating wound, such as from a rusty nail or rose thorns
  • wounds contaminated with soil, horse manure or foreign objects such as wood fragments.

Where can I get the tetanus vaccination?

 Our clinic, Medsana Medical, located in Eight Mile Plains provides free tetanus vaccinations. Booking can be made via our website or by calling 07 3852 4878

For further information on tetanus and vaccination recommendations see the Australian Immunisation Handbook website.

Resources:
https://www.health.gov.au/diseases/tetanus
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/tetanus.aspx

Please note: Blog posts are rarely updated after the original post. Because the medical industry is ever changing; please make certain to reference the current product list as well as up-to-date industry information when considering product selection or treatment. Always consult a physician to discuss specific concerns or questions related to your health.

Timely PCR Swab Service

Available between 8:30am – 9am

 

  1. Short Telephone Consult with the patient – bulk billed if Medicare eligible. Private fees with no Medicare rebates apply if the patient has not seen us in the last 12 months.
  2. The doctor will request a respiratory panel for viruses and bacteria (where clinically appropriate).  For example, Influenza, Covid, RSV, mycoplasma, pertussis and so forth.  Not all possible infections are on this panel.  The doctor may decline the request if it is not appropriate and direct the patient accordingly.
  3. Normal fees will apply if more than swabbing is requested.  Clinical examination and other requests requires a normal consultation at another time.
  4. Patient arrives at the car park next to Building 10 before 11am.  Or takes the pathology request to another 4Cyte collection centre.
  5. Patient calls reception to notify of their arrival so the 4Cyte Pathology Collector can gown up and go the patient’s car to swab the patient.
  6. PCR swab gets sent to 4Cyte.  The processing times varies according to workflows.
  7. 4Cyte will SMS the patient with the Covid results.  Positive PCR test results for other respiratory viruses or bacteria are not named.  A negative PCR result doesn’t mean the patient is infection free.  These swabs narrow down the possibilities and guide appropriate treatments.
  8. An appropriate appointment needs to be made for results in person, via video or via phone.  Normal fees applies for these consult.  Normal fees applies if the doctor calls the patient for further clinical advice and management.  
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