Imagine your child got a deep cut while playing outside. And suddenly, the risk of tetanus crosses your mind. The clock’s ticking and your child may need a tetanus shot fast.
So where do you go? A quick trip to urgent care would be your best bet!
They’ll vaccinate you or your child on the spot and also counsel you on the booster shots.
In this blog, we’ll focus on when you may need a tetanus vaccine and whether urgent care is a convenient option or not.
Does Urgent Care Give Tetanus Shots?
Absolutely! Urgent care clinics offer tetanus shots for people of all ages. Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious infection caused by bacteria that can enter your body through cuts or wounds.
If you’ve had an injury, like a cut or puncture, and it’s been more than 10 years since your last tetanus shot, head to urgent care for a booster.
Left untreated, tetanus can lead to breathing problems, heart failure, and other serious health issues.
Therefore, getting vaccinated on time is a simple way to stay protected. Remember to get your booster every 10 years to prevent tetanus complications.
When Should You Get A Tetanus Shot?
People of all ages need tetanus shots at different times in their lives. So it’s important for children and adults to get their tetanus shots.
DTaP and DT vaccines are given to babies and children at the age of 7, and for both vaccines, the preferred tetanus shot for children is 5 doses of DTap at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 15–17 months.
After these doses, a booster shot is given at the age of 11 to 12 years.
Some common situations in which getting a tetanus shot is a must are:
- If you haven’t received a booster tetanus shot in the last 10 years
- Pregnant women during their trimester (with doctor’s advice)
- If you had any wound that has been exposed to dirt, feces, manure, or other contaminants.
- Get a tetanus shot if you have an open or deep wound and haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years
Do not delay if you come across any of the above-mentioned situations. You can even visit Family Urgent Care clinic if you live in Indiana or Illinois.
How Does a Tetanus Vaccine Help?
When the tetanus vaccine is injected into your body, it activates your immune system and creates antibodies in your body. Then these antibodies recognize the bacteria and fight them in order to prevent tetanus infection.
Once the bacteria, Clostridium tetani, goes inside the body, it releases toxins called tetanospasmin, which are harmful and affect the nervous system of the body.
The tetanus shot provides long-term immunity and produces antibodies in the blood to protect against tetanus bacteria (Clostridium tetani).
In certain high-risk conditions, your healthcare provider may also recommend booster shots for your immune system to regain its ability.
The tetanus vaccine also contains a toxoid, an inactivated bacterial toxin, which does not cause tetanus but helps in preparing your immune system for protection.
Is Tetanus A Life-Threatening Disease?
Yes, tetanus can be a life-threatening disease if it is not treated properly because bacteria found in soil, dust, and animal waste can enter your body through cuts and punctures.
Once the bacteria is gone inside the body, it produces a toxin that affects your nervous system. There are also other symptoms, such as muscle stiffness and spasm.
If tetanus is not treated properly, it can lead to severe complications. Tetanus has a high fatality rate. In recent years, tetanus has been fatal in about 10% to 20% of reported cases. You can prevent tetanus with a vaccine that reduces the risk of complications in the future.
How Long Does Tetanus Shot Last In Your Body?
If you get your first vaccine during childhood, your immune system will remain protected for almost 10 years. As long as you are getting your booster shots every 10 years, you will be protected.
If you do not get a booster shot, you are at risk of getting infected in a deep wound injury.
The CDC recommends that people aged 18 and above should get the tetanus vaccine every 10 years.
Visit Family Urgent Care To Receive Tetanus Shots Quickly
All in all, if you or your child has a non-life threatening injury and needs first aid along with a tetanus shot, you can visit our nearest clinic branch right away.
With our convenient locations in Rogers Park, Lincoln Park, and Schererville, it is easy for patients to find the clinic that is near their location.
Our team of medical assistants, health providers and doctors is here to provide the best treatment and guidance to prevent the infection.
After your tetanus vaccine shot, Family Urgent Care also provides follow-up care appointments to monitor your wound healing process and suggest additional care tips for faster recovery, if needed.
So, don’t wait until it’s too late! Book your appointment now to get vaccinated and stay protected from tetanus infections.
