Where is the tetanus shot given?

Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
Updated on February 21, 2025
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Tetanus injections require administration into the muscle, typically in the deltoid or gluteus maximus, which is below the patient's shoulder or on the buttocks. Before administering a tetanus shot, a skin test is usually performed. The test takes place on the inner side of the forearm, where 0.1ml of the solution is injected. Patients might experience some pain during the tetanus shot, but most can tolerate it. The tetanus shot effectively prevents tetanus infections, especially in cases where the wound is deep with a small surface area that can create anaerobic conditions conducive to the colonization and proliferation of Clostridium tetani, leading to tetanus infection. Vaccination can effectively prevent some serious diseases.

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Written by Li Xiao Lin
Emergency Department
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Is mild tetanus easy to treat?

Mild tetanus is easy to treat. Mild tetanus presents with slight twitching, numbness in the limbs, and stiffness, with shallow impairment of consciousness and shorter duration of convulsions. Appropriate sedatives or antiepileptic drugs such as midazolam or phenobarbital sodium can be used to control symptoms. Treatment with penicillin to combat tetanus bacillus also yields good results. Additionally, it is important to rest often, avoid excessive fatigue, drink plenty of water, and consume fresh vegetables and fruits. Avoid spicy and irritating foods. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
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Will a scrape lead to tetanus?

When a tetanus infection occurs, the wound is generally quite deep, for instance, reaching the subcutaneous fat or even the muscle layer in severe cases. Such deep wounds can create an anaerobic environment, which is conducive for the growth and reproduction of Clostridium tetani, an anaerobic bacterium. This bacterium produces exotoxins, primarily the tetanospasmin, which causes the associated clinical symptoms in patients. If it's merely a scrape or a superficial wound, tetanus infection is unlikely. Clinically, what is needed for such abrasions is to disinfect the area with iodine and then bandage it appropriately.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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Can tetanus be treated?

Tetanus is a specific infectious disease, most cases of which present as muscle tension and rigidity. Specific symptoms include difficulty opening the mouth, a sardonic smile, stiff neck, and opisthotonus. In severe cases, difficulties in breathing or even cessation of breathing can occur, and in critical cases, the heartbeat may also stop. Once tetanus occurs, it is crucial to seek active treatment at a hospital. With proper and systematic treatment provided by hospitals, most patients can be cured. Therefore, tetanus is a curable infectious disease.

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Written by Li Jin Quan
General Surgery
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How much is the tetanus serum?

When there is a potential risk of tetanus infection in our wounds, we should promptly receive a tetanus shot. The tetanus treatments commonly used today include tetanus antitoxin and tetanus immunoglobulin, also known as tetanus serum. Generally, the price of tetanus antitoxin is about seven to eight yuan each. Tetanus serum can be divided into two types: human tetanus immunoglobulin and horse tetanus immunoglobulin. The price of human tetanus immunoglobulin is slightly over 80 yuan, while horse tetanus immunoglobulin costs slightly over 30 yuan. Horse tetanus immunoglobulin requires a skin test before it can be administered.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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When to get a tetanus shot

A tetanus shot is generally recommended to be administered immediately after an injury for the best efficacy. If given within 12 or 24 hours, it still provides certain preventive effects. The tetanus shot mainly consists of tetanus antitoxin and represents passive immunization. It is usually advised in cases of deep wounds with small surface areas that can create anaerobic conditions inside. If tetanus bacillus is present in the wound and proliferates massively under anaerobic conditions, the patient may exhibit symptoms such as opisthotonos, asphyxiation, or even death. Therefore, it is necessary to administer tetanus antitoxin for prevention.