Tetanus is a vaccine preventable infection that is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacteria. Unvaccinated children can develop symptoms of tetanus about two weeks after getting a wound that is contaminated by tetanus bacteria, leading to painful muscle spasms.
Although stepping on a rusty nail is often the classic way that parents think of as the way that their kids can get tetanus, it is important to remember that almost any dirty wound can put them at risk. That is because tetanus spores live in the soil and so can contaminate scrapes, burns, dog bites, and even spider bites.
Kids get a series of five tetanus shots as part of their childhood immunizations before they start kindergarten as a part of the DTaP vaccine and then a booster dose when they are twelve (the Tdap shot). They may need another if it has been more than five years since a tetanus shot and he has certain types of wounds, including wounds contaminated with dirt, feces, or saliva.
Related:
Vaccine Preventable Illnesses
Immunization Quiz
Dog Bites
