What are the side effects of tetanus shots?

When the surface of a person's skin is injured and frequently comes into contact with things that contain a lot of bacteria, tetanus can easily be caused. Therefore, a corresponding vaccine specifically for preventing tetanus has also been introduced. With the advent of the tetanus vaccine, some people have paid more and more attention to the harm of tetanus to the human body and choose to get tetanus shots. But many people will have questions about this. What side effects does tetanus have on the human body?

The tetanus vaccine is a very important vaccine because tetanus is unpredictable and can occur anywhere and at any time, making it very dangerous. Unpleasant side effects of the vaccine include headache, fever and stomach pain, but they usually go away within a few days and do not affect everyone. Serious adverse reactions include convulsions and coma, but are relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of those vaccinated.

Serious side effects of tetanus vaccine

Convulsions and coma, as well as brain damage are serious side effects of this vaccine. Severe allergic reactions may also include swelling of the mouth, difficulty breathing and wheezing, and possibly convulsions. But these side effects are extremely rare.

Moderate adverse reactions

Moderate side effects of the tetanus vaccine include vomiting, diarrhea, and high fever. Most cases are low-grade fevers, but occasionally they can exceed 39 degrees Celsius. These adverse reactions are rare.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects of tetanus vaccine include pain and redness and swelling at the injection site, which is also the most common adverse reaction. Other side effects include low-grade fever, headache, nausea, fatigue and muscle pain.

Children and tetanus vaccine

The tetanus vaccine used in children under 12 years of age is slightly different from the one used in adults because it also includes the diphtheria vaccine along with the typical whooping cough vaccine. Side effects of the diphtheria and pertussis vaccines are rare and generally similar to those of the tetanus vaccine. A common adverse reaction in children but less common in adults is loss of appetite.

How to deal with side effects?

Necessary countermeasures should be taken according to the severity of the reaction and side effects. Stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting usually go away on their own within one to two days and are not usually signs of a severe allergic reaction. Low-grade fever, muscle aches, or swelling at the injection site may subside within a day. However, severe fever or allergic reaction should prompt medical attention. Generally, side effects from tetanus vaccine do not require additional treatment.