How Do I Know When My Child Needs a Tetanus Shot?
The tetanus vaccine is routinely given to children as part of the recommended vaccination schedule set forth by the Centers for Disease Control. Giving your child this vaccine helps protect him against a possible tetanus infection after an injury where a deep puncture wound is present. It's also important to know symptoms of tetanus and when you should call your doctor.
Immunization Schedule
The CDC recommends giving your child the combination immunization DTaP. This shot protects against diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus. The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) says that a two-in-one vaccine, DT, protects against diphtheria and tetanus, and can also be given to children 7 and younger. Another option for adults and children older than 7 is the Td vaccine, which also protects against tetanus and diphtheria. However UMMC says that the diphtheria dose is slightly different than that found in the DT vaccine. If your child has had a negative reaction to the DTaP vaccine in the past, discuss these other options with your doctor.
As part of the routine vaccination schedule, the CDC recommends that you give your child the DTaP shot at 2, 4 and 6 months with a fourth shot between the ages of 15 and 18 months. The CDC says that the fourth dose could be given as early as twelve months as long as at least six months have passed since he had the third dose. Your child should have a booster DTaP shot between the ages of 4 and 6 as well.
If you follow an alternative immunization schedule, ask your doctor when your child should have the tetanus shot.
Symptoms
Though children receive the tetanus immunization as a part of the CDC's recommended vaccination schedule, you should know the symptoms of a tetanus infection. According to Dr. William Sears and his wife Martha, authors of the "The Baby Book," tetanus is caused by toxins from bacteria in a contaminated, deep wound. Generally, symptoms appear three to 21 days after exposure and include muscle spasms-particularly in the jaw-and convulsions.
Even if your child has received the recommended amount of tetanus vaccines, call your doctor immediately if your child shows any of these symptoms after he or she has experienced a deep wound.
Treatment
Sears notes that the medical treatment for tetanus in children is the tetanus vaccine, hospitalization and antibiotics. To prevent tetanus, clean any wounds with an antiseptic. Sears does say, though, that tetanus is fairly uncommon.
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