Tetanus and the vaccine (shot) to prevent it : diseases and the vaccines that prevent them : information for parents

The best way to protect against tetanus is by getting the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis shot (called DTaP). Doctors recommend that all children get the shot.\ufffcINFORMATION FOR PARENTSTetanus and the Vaccine (Shot) to Prevent ItLast updated April 2017The best way to protect against tetanus is by getting the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis shot (called DTaP). Doctors recommend that all children get the shot.Why should my child get the DTaP shot?The DTaP shot:\u2022 Protects your child from tetanus, a potentially serious disease, as well as diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis).\u2022 Protects your child from painful muscle stiffness from tetanus.\u2022 Keeps your child from missing school or childcare (and keeps you from missing work to care for your sick child).Is the DTaP shot safe?Yes. The DTaP shot is very safe, and it is effective at preventing tetanus. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. Most children who get the shot have no side effects.What are the side effects?Most children don\u2019t have any side effects from the shot. When side effects do occur, they are usually mild and may include:\u2022 Redness, swelling, or pain where the shot was given\u2022 Fever\u2022 VomitingThese types of side effects happen in about 1 out of every 4 children who get the shot.More serious side effects are very rare but can include:\u2022 A fever over 105 degrees\u2022 Nonstop crying for 3 hours or more\u2022 Seizures (jerking, twitching of the muscles, or staring)What is tetanus?Tetanus is a serious disease caused by a toxin (poison) made by bacteria. It causes painful muscle stiffness and can be deadly.What are the symptoms of tetanus?Tetanus in children starts with headache, jaw cramping, and muscle spasms (sudden, involuntary muscle tightening).It also causes the following:\u2022 Painful muscle stiffness all over the body\u2022 Trouble swallowing\u2022 Seizures\u2022 Fever and sweating\u2022 High blood pressure and fast heart rateTetanus is often called \u201clockjaw\u201d because the jaw muscles tighten, making it hard to open the mouth.Doctors recommend that your child get five doses of the DTaP vaccine for best protection. Your child will need one dose at each of the following ages:CS HCVG15-CHD-144 05/30/2017tetanus-basics-color.pd