What it is:
Tetanus is a serious infection that causes progressive stiffness, rigidity, and spasms of skeletal muscle and can be fatal.
How you get it:
Infection occurs with burns and “dirty” wounds or punctures (such as rusty nails, animal bytes garden injuries or accidents).
Where is it common:
Tetanus is a significant public health problem throughout the world especially in non-industrialized countries.
Who should get Tetanus vaccine:
Immunization of international travelers is recommended before travel if their last immunization was 7-10 years ago.
What to expect after vaccination:
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.