Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacterial infection and usually enters the body through a cut or animal bite. The tetanus vaccine is given to prevent life-threatening infections.
Tips & Links
- A tetanus bacterial infection can cause muscle stiffness, spasms, and other symptoms and if left untreated can be life-threatening.
- Seek prompt medical attention if you have a wound that is at risk for tetanus contamination (from a puncture wound, animal bite, or a scrape from dirty metal).
- The Tdap vaccine is recommended for all adults, including seniors over 65 years. It provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). Adults and seniors who have never received a Tdap vaccine are usually advised to get one.
- The tetanus only (Td) booster vaccine is required every ten (10) years for protection.
- Learn more about tetanus prevention and vaccinations at Healthlink BC.
Things You Can Do
- Think about reducing your risk of tetanus by wearing long pants and long sleeves when doing household chores and gardening, making sure your tetanus booster is within 10 years if travelling, and using good hand hygiene.
- Find a location that offers tetanus vaccinations in BC including your physician’s or nurse practitioner’s office, pharmacies, health units or urgent care clinics.
- Learn about about the different recommended vaccines if travelling from Healthlink BC.
- Understand that you may have a simple reaction to your vaccination. For suggestions on what to do look at vaccine after-care from Healthlink BC.
- Learn how to access Health-Gateway BC to set up your personal account and to access your vaccination history. Know how to access it on your phone.
Keep your vaccination record up to date in your Health Profile fillable PDF tool found in My Health Information.
Tools & Videos
Categories: My Health Information, Senior
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