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3 Benefits of Getting the Tetanus Vaccine

As a child, you’ll most likely receive a set number of recommended vaccinations. These usually include shots for hepatitis B, rotavirus, Diphtheria, and the influenza, measles, and tetanus vaccine. Any responsible parent would ensure that their child receives the first dose of these vaccines before 6-months of age.

However, there are some vaccines that you can still receive as an adult if you missed out as a child. One of the most common is the tetanus vaccine, also called the Tdap.

If you’ve yet to receive the Tdap vaccine and want to learn more about what type of protection it can offer, check out the rest of this blog.

The Tetanus Vaccine Explained

The tetanus vaccine is a combination shot. This means that it offers a greater spread of protection against a number of bacterial diseases. It’s also an inactive vaccine which means there are little to no side effects after you receive the shot.

Overall, it protects your immunity from the following bacterial diseases, some of which can be life-threatening:

  • Tetanus — characterized by excruciating muscle spasms and lockjaw. This bacterial disease enters the body through open wounds, cuts, and burns
  • Pertussis — also called whooping cough, this is a serious infection of the respiratory system
  • Diphtheria — this is a severe bacterial infection of the respiratory system that’s highly contagious and especially dangerous in infants

If you are over the age of 18 and have not received the Tdap vaccine, it’s in your best interest to do. Even if your immunity has had time to develop. In fact, anyone between the ages of 18 and 64 should receive this vaccine for added protection if they haven’t.

If you work in an industry such as healthcare, education, or you’re a new mother, it’s even more important to get this vaccine as you’re all the more susceptible to the above infections.

Here are a few other important reasons to receive the tetanus vaccine as both an infant or an adult:

1. It Offers Added Protection When Traveling

It’s no secret that air, rail, bus, or even car travel can increase your likelihood of contracting a multitude of viruses and bacterial infections. If you want to protect your child or even yourself as an adult, the tetanus vaccine is a good idea.

As mentioned, whooping cough, as well as Diphtheria, are both highly contagious. With the tetanus shot, you have extra protection against contracting these serious infections when traveling.

Check out this article for more on the importance of vaccines when traveling, especially going into the year 2022.

2. It’s a School Entry Requirement

Yes, you read that correctly. It’s often a requirement of many state and school districts that your child has received a tetanus shot before they’re accepted by the school. Not only this but booster shots are also required according to their age.

Even if it’s not a school requirement, it’s still an excellent idea for your child to receive the tetanus shot before starting school. This is because schools are a melting pot of germs and bacteria and the vaccine ensures extra protection for your child.

3. It Keeps Your Immunization Up-to-Date

The thing about the tetanus shot is that you don’t just receive one shot and that’s it. You’re encouraged to take your child for a number of booster shots at two, four, and six months of age. And then again between 15-18 months old.

As an older child between the ages of four and six, they should receive another booster tetanus shot. Once your child reaches the age of 11/12, they should move on to the Tdap vaccine, fit for adults. Following that, you should receive Tdap booster shots every 10 years.

All in all, this helps to build up your immunity over the years and keep it up-to-date.

Learn How to Hack Your Health

As you can see, the tetanus vaccine actually plays an integral role in how your body fends of serious infections as you age. As a parent, it’s your prerogative to ensure your child receives these vaccines for added protection throughout their life.

If you’re interested in learning more about how to protect your health and that of your family, explore the rest of this site for more!