Skip to navigation Skip to Content

Search

Menu
Search Marshfield Clinic Health System
Join a world-class health system. Find jobs

Tetanus

​The bacteria that cause tetanus can enter the body through a cut or wound. ​

Tetanus lives in soil, so children can get infected from a small injury. 

It is not contagious. Tetanus causes very painful muscle spasms, stiffness in the neck and abdominal muscles, difficulty swallowing and can lead to death. 

Tetanus is not limited to children. Adults should also remain current on the vaccination.

The tetanus vaccine is part of a combination vaccine that  also protects against diphtheria and pertussis.

Vaccine Recommendations

All children should get five doses of DTaP vaccine, beginning when they are 2 months old. 

Older children, teens and adults should receive a Td (tetanus-diphtheria) or Tdap booster dose every 10 years.

Vaccine Preventable Diseases​​

Request Appointment

Contact us for care

If this is a medical emergency, call 911.

Call: 1-866-520-2510

(Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.)

Vaccines by Age Group

Access Your Records

If you need help paying for vaccines, contact our Patient Assistance Center

Patient Assistance Center

Trusted Resources