Do you have to get a tetanus shot after you’ve been injured?

Usually, you still need to get a tetanus shot for an injury. The tetanus vaccine is divided into tetanus antitoxin and tetanus human immunoglobulin for the prevention and treatment of tetanus. Since the tetanus vaccine is not a lifelong vaccine, immunity to tetanus decreases over time and loses its protective effect against tetanus. After tetanus vaccination, if a wound reappears and is more contaminated when it is larger, it is recommended to be vaccinated again to increase the effectiveness of tetanus prevention. Re-vaccination is also recommended if the wound is not deep and the situation is not serious. Tetanus human immunoglobulin usually has no adverse reaction, very few people have redness, swelling and pain, which do not require special treatment and can recover on their own. However, tetanus antitoxin may cause anaphylactic shock, serum sickness and other adverse reactions. It is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to tetanus human immunoglobulin. Tetanus antitoxin should be used with caution for those who have a positive reaction to tetanus antitoxin allergy test. In addition, it is recommended to go to a specialized hospital and follow the doctor’s instructions for injections after a tetanus shot for injuries.