Should You Go to an Urgent Care for Tetanus shot
Tetanus, or lockjaw, is an acute infectious disease caused by a bacterium. After an injury that breaks your skin, tetanus bacteria get into your body and release deadly toxins that cause muscle spasms so painful they feel like lockjaw. If you’re going to be outdoors—whether it’s at home or in another country—make sure to make a habit of getting regular vaccinations for tetanus, as well as hepatitis A and B and typhoid. Call your local urgent care clinic immediately if you are bitten by a dog, cat or other wild animal—since most diseases aren’t typically found in cats and dogs, immediate attention is necessary to avoid illness.
Yes, an urgent care clinic is a great place to get a tetanus shot when in a pinch. Tetanus (lockjaw) is an infection caused by a bacteria that enters through cuts or wounds and causes painful muscle spasms. The lockjaw symptoms of tetanus are caused by nerve spasms in your jaw, tongue, and throat. If left untreated, it can lead to breathing difficulties and heart failure. In most cases, however, it’s preventable with a timely injection of tetanus vaccination into your skin and muscles; these inoculations should be given every 10 years to stay on track with prevention.
Tetanus shots aren’t a required part of childhood immunizations, but are sometimes recommended. If your child has a deep wound and isn’t sure if they got their tetanus shot within five years, take them to urgent care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that adults get Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccine once at least 10 years after getting their last Td (tetanus and diphtheria) vaccine. For example, if you had your last Td in 2004 when you were 30 years old, get a Tdap as soon as possible.
