Tetanus is a serious infection that causes progressive stiffness, rigidity, and spasms of skeletal muscle and can be fatal.
Infection occurs with burns and "dirty" wounds or punctures (such as rusty nails, animal bytes garden injuries or accidents).
Tetanus is a significant public health problem throughout the world especially in non-industrialized countries.
Immunization of international travelers is recommended before travel if their last immunization was 7-10 years ago.
Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site are common and may occur more frequently following subsequent doses; this usually disappears and is of no consequence. Severe reaction occurs extremely rarely.