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The tetanus shot, or tetanus vaccine, is a vital injection that protects against tetanus, a serious and often fatal bacterial infection that causes muscles throughout the body to tighten. The vaccine is safe for most people and recommended for all ages by the CDC. However, as with any vaccine, there is a possibility of side effects, which are usually mild and include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site. These side effects are a sign that the body is responding to build immunity against the disease. More rarely, the tetanus vaccine can cause an allergic reaction, with symptoms including severe pain, weakness, and numbness.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Common side effects | Pain, redness, swelling at the injection site, fever, headache, fatigue, nausea, soreness, discoloration, dizziness |
| Moderate side effects | Prolonged swelling or redness at the injection site, high fever, body aches |
| Serious side effects | Severe allergic reactions, anaphylaxis, shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA), brachial neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome) |
| Rare side effects | Severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis, brachial neuritis, seizures, decreased level of consciousness |
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What You'll Learn
Pain, redness, swelling, and soreness at the injection site
The tetanus vaccine is an important step in preventing tetanus, a serious and often fatal bacterial infection that can cause severe muscle stiffness, painful spasms, and muscle tightening throughout the body. While the tetanus shot is safe for most people, as with any vaccine, there is always the possibility of side effects.
If the pain or swelling is causing discomfort, over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications such as ibuprofen can be taken. However, it is important to contact your doctor or pharmacist before giving pain relief medication to a child. In rare cases, the injection site may bleed or the pain, redness, or swelling may be severe enough to interfere with your usual activities. If this occurs, it is recommended to contact your doctor.
Serious side effects of the tetanus vaccine are rare but can include severe allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, which requires immediate medical attention, and shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) or brachial neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome). These conditions can cause long-term pain, weakness, and numbness in the affected arm or shoulder, and may require hospitalization.
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Mild fever, headache, and fatigue
Mild fever is a typical response to the tetanus vaccine, with many people experiencing a low-grade fever of up to 100.4ºF (38ºC). This mild fever should subside within a day or two without treatment, but if it persists or becomes more severe, it may be cause for concern.
Headaches are another common side effect of the tetanus vaccine. These headaches are typically mild to moderate in intensity and can last for a few days after receiving the shot. They are often accompanied by other flu-like symptoms, such as body aches and chills.
Fatigue is also a normal reaction to the tetanus vaccine, and it is considered a sign that your body and immune system are working hard to build up immunity. This tiredness or drowsiness typically lasts for a few days following vaccination.
While these side effects can be uncomfortable, they are generally mild and not a cause for alarm. However, if they persist or become more severe, it is important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary. Additionally, in rare cases, the tetanus vaccine can cause more severe side effects, such as allergic reactions, and these require immediate medical attention.
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Rare allergic reactions
While rare, some people may experience an allergic reaction to the tetanus vaccine. This is a severe side effect that requires immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can cause an increased heart rate and trouble breathing. Many people also break out in hives. If you experience an allergic reaction, it will usually occur within a few minutes to an hour of receiving the injection.
If you experience any of the following symptoms after receiving a tetanus shot, contact your doctor immediately:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site that is severe and prevents you from performing your usual activities
- Bleeding at the injection site
- Dizziness
- Vision changes
- Ringing in the ears
- Seizure
- Coma
In rare cases, the tetanus vaccine can also cause a neurological condition called PTS, which can result in long-term effects such as numbness, shoulder pain, and weakness in the arm where the shot was administered. Recovery from PTS can take months or years, and treatment may involve physical therapy, surgery, and pain management.
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Brachial neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome)
The tetanus vaccine can cause mild side effects, including pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. In rare cases, it may cause a severe allergic reaction.
Now, moving on to Brachial neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome), it is a rare neuromuscular condition or peripheral neuropathy that involves the peripheral nerves. It is also known as neuralgic amyotrophy or idiopathic brachial plexus neuropathy. Parsonage-Turner syndrome (PTS) was first identified by English physicians Maurice Parsonage and Aldren Turner, who described the condition as "brachial neuralgic amyotrophy".
The condition is characterised by acute-onset asymmetric shoulder-arm pain and asymmetric upper limb weakness, especially around the shoulder girdle. The pain is typically sudden and can be unilateral or bilateral, followed by muscle weakness and atrophy. The symptoms may radiate to the neck, arms, and forearms and usually last from a few days to an average of four weeks.
PTS predominantly affects nerves that control movements of the chest wall, shoulder, arm, forearm, and hand. It can affect one or both sides of the body. The most commonly affected nerves are the long thoracic nerve, the suprascapular nerve, and the axillary nerve.
Diagnosis of PTS can be challenging due to its varied presentation and delayed manifestation of pathophysiologic changes on tests. Modern electrodiagnostic and imaging techniques, such as MRI and ultrasound, can assist in distinguishing PTS from other conditions. Treatment options include physical therapy and prophylactic immunotherapy for recurrent attacks.
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Dizziness
Although serious side effects from the tetanus vaccine are rare, dizziness can occur. If you experience dizziness, vision changes, or ringing in the ears, you should inform a healthcare professional.
The tetanus vaccine can cause a range of other side effects, including mild pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site. This pain is usually due to soreness in the muscle where the injection was given. In adults, this is typically the shoulder muscle, while in children, it is usually the arm or thigh. These symptoms typically last for 1-2 days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and a cool compress.
Other possible side effects of the tetanus vaccine include mild fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, and nausea. These symptoms are typically mild and should subside shortly. However, if they persist or become severe, it is important to seek medical attention.
In rare cases, the tetanus vaccine can cause more severe side effects, such as allergic reactions, seizures, or decreased consciousness. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek immediate medical care. Additionally, a very rare but severe reaction to the tetanus shot is SIRVA (Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration), which can cause stiffness, impact your range of motion, and result in pain. This usually occurs when the vaccine is administered too high or too deep in the shoulder, causing damage to ligaments, tendons, and nerves.
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Frequently asked questions
Common side effects of the tetanus shot include pain, redness, swelling at the injection site, fever, headache, and fatigue. These side effects typically last only a few days and are generally mild.
Body aches or muscle pain are possible side effects of the tetanus vaccine. This can occur within the first few days after vaccination and may last a few days.
Moderate side effects of the tetanus shot can include prolonged swelling or redness at the injection site, high fever, and body aches. These side effects can last several days and may require medical attention.
Serious side effects of the tetanus shot are rare but can include severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis, and shoulder injuries related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) or brachial neuritis (Parsonage-Turner Syndrome).
Most side effects are mild and will resolve without treatment. If pain or swelling is causing discomfort, you can take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication such as ibuprofen. If you experience a mild fever, OTC medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. For other side effects, you can discuss potential treatments with a healthcare professional.
