Tetanus (lockjaw) booster shot

Scratches and animal bites, even minor ones, tears to the cuticles or abrasions after a fall can become infected and lead to complications when pathogens enter the open wound. In the worst case, affected skin becomes red and swollen, and the infection can lead to serious health problems. Having a tetanus booster vaccination can help prevent a sepsis (blood poisoning) from developing after the injury.

Tetanus, which people commonly think of as “lockjaw”, is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. If these resistant tetanus spores enter an open wound, they germinate, grow and then excrete toxins that damage the muscle-controlling nerve cells. These tetanus bacteria are everywhere in the environment. They can be found in the soil or street dust or even on the floor of a clean apartment. Accordingly, all humans are exposed to tetanus spores.

It is therefore recommended to get a tetanus booster shot at the age of 25, 45 and 65 years (every 20 years) and then every 10 years.

If you have any further questions, please contact your physician.