Get the tetanus vaccine in Leicester to protect yourself from the fatal bacterial infection tetanus (lockjaw). It is an uncommon illness but has the potential to cause significant damage if left untreated. It mainly targets nerves and causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness.

When is the best time to administer a tetanus vaccine in Leicester?

The tetanus vaccination is part of childhood and adult immunisation.

The whole course of tetanus vaccination in Leicester consists of five doses. For children, it typically proceeds as per the following schedule:

• First three shots: comprises a 6-in-1 vaccine at the age of 8, 12 and 19 weeks
• A booster jab: involves a 4-in-1 pre-school booster jab at the age of 3 years and 4 months
• The final dose: this is part of the 3-in-1 teenage booster at the age of 14

Following this regimen of 5 jabs, you will have lifelong protection from tetanus.

However, the best course of action is to consult medical help if you or your child sustains a severe or unclean wound.

If your vaccination course is incomplete for whatever reason, you can still get protected with us.

Are tetanus shots still necessary?

Since tetanus is spread worldwide, getting tetanus immunisation is crucial before venturing abroad.

It would be best to consult a travel clinic to proceed with your immunisation.

Additionally, you’ll also need a consultation about your vaccination before travelling overseas:

• If it has been more than ten years since your last vaccination
• You will be visiting a region with limited access to medical care

Getting multiple doses of the tetanus vaccine before going abroad is recommended if you’ve never had it before.

Each dose needs an interval of at least one month.

Finishing the course upon your return is also feasible if you cannot get all of the necessary dosages before leaving.

In Leicester, how long does the tetanus vaccine last?

Keep up with your tetanus vaccination schedule and acquire booster injections to protect yourself and your loved ones beforehand.

Tetanus is a potentially fatal disease, and vaccination can be a potential defence.

The first two shots require an interval of at least four weeks, and the third jab must be administered between six and twelve months following the second.

It is a bonus to get a booster vaccination for tetanus every ten years after the initial immunisation series.

Get professional consultation, if you have any doubts about any cut or abrasion, such as:

• If the injuries are severe
• If there’s dirt in the cut.
• If you aren’t sure if you’ve had a complete tetanus vaccination or if you’ve been immunised at all

How can I avoid tetanus?

Immunisation before possible exposure is your best shield against the disease.

Anyone can benefit from the tetanus vaccine, which can be sustained with annual booster shots for the rest of their lives.

Most of the cases of tetanus today are occurring due to:

• People who have never had a tetanus vaccine
• People who haven’t kept up with their 10-year booster doses

Do I need a tetanus vaccine as an adult?

The tetanus vaccine is valuable for people of all ages.

Teens and adults receive Td or Tdap. This vaccination offers a triple-pronged strike on tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough, also called pertussis.

Vaccines like these have a 95% success rate in preventing diseases and offer protection for about 10 years.

This timeline may change due to pregnancy, tending to an injury, or other medical needs.

When do tetanus symptoms start?

On average, it takes 10 days for symptoms to manifest after infection. This is called the incubation period.

The duration of the incubation period might be anywhere from 3 to 21 days.

Generalised or systemic tetanus is the most typical form of the disease.

The onset of symptoms is slow but steady, and they intensify over the course of two weeks.

Lockjaw is one of the most noticeable symptoms of tetanus.

It also associates with a high temperature, perspiration or sweating, rapid heart rate, and difficulty opening the mouth due to painful muscle spasms.

Can I get the tetanus vaccine after the exposure? 

If you get a wound that could cause tetanus, you may need extra care even if you’ve had all of the necessary tetanus vaccination series.

A high-risk tetanus wound calls for treatment with tetanus immunoglobulin.

Antibodies in tetanus immunoglobulin neutralise the toxin before it can damage the nervous system. It offers quick relief from tetanus but only for a limited time – this is why the vaccine is recommended for long-term protection.

Do I need to get a tetanus vaccine before travelling?

The probability of developing tetanus is possible whenever a wound breaks the skin.

You might encounter deep cuts during camping or hiking and may easily be infected with tetanus found in the soil or even get tick-borne encephalitis.

To stay safe on your travels, book your appointment at Leicester Travel Clinic today.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Leicester Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.