When to Get a Tetanus Shot After an Injury

Wael Tinawi • September 1, 2025

Accidents happen when you least expect them a cut from rusty metal, a puncture wound from a nail, or even a scrape while gardening. In these moments, knowing when to get a tetanus shot can make all the difference for your health and peace of mind.

At UrgiClinic, we provide fast and convenient urgent care services, including tetanus shots for urgent needs. Whether it’s a workplace accident, a sudden injury at home, or an outdoor mishap, our team is here to guide you on the right next steps.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What tetanus is and why it’s serious
When you need a tetanus shot after an injury
Who should be especially cautious
How urgent care supports timely protection

What Is Tetanus?

Tetanus is a potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani, commonly found in soil, dust, and rusty metal. When these bacteria enter the body through a wound, they produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to severe muscle stiffness and spasms.

Unlike many infectious diseases, tetanus is not contagious. The only protection is through vaccination, meaning a timely tetanus shot is your best defense after an injury.

When Do You Need a Tetanus Shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends routine tetanus vaccination for both children and adults. However, after an injury, it’s important to know whether you need a booster.

You should get a tetanus shot if:

You haven’t had a booster in the last 10 years.
Your wound is deep, dirty, or puncture-like, and your last shot was more than 5 years ago.
You are unsure of your vaccination history.

In cases of severe wounds, healthcare providers may recommend both a tetanus shot and additional treatment, such as tetanus immune globulin (TIG).

Common Injuries That May Require a Tetanus Shot

Some injuries carry a higher risk of tetanus infection, including:

Puncture wounds from nails, glass, or animal bites
Cuts from rusty or dirty metal objects
Severe burns or crush injuries
Outdoor scrapes that involve soil or manure

If you’re unsure whether your wound requires a tetanus shot, it’s always safer to visit urgent care and get evaluated quickly.

Who Should Be Extra Cautious?

Certain groups may need to be especially vigilant about getting a tetanus shot after an injury:

Older adults who may not be up to date on boosters
People with weakened immune systems
Individuals with chronic illnesses, like diabetes
Travelers going to areas where medical care may be limited

For these groups, even minor injuries could present a higher risk of tetanus complications.

How Urgent Care Helps with Tetanus Shots

At UrgiClinic, we specialize in addressing urgent medical needs, including wound care and vaccinations. If you experience an injury that might require a tetanus shot, our urgent care team provides:

Walk-in access: No appointments needed just come in when the injury happens.
Quick wound evaluation: To determine if a tetanus booster is necessary.
On-site tetanus shots: Immediate protection without long waits.
Clear guidance: What to watch for as your wound heals and when to seek follow-up care.

Unlike primary care or long-term treatment facilities, urgent care is designed to help when time matters most.

Understanding the Risks of Skipping a Tetanus Shot

Without a timely tetanus shot, even a small wound can lead to dangerous complications.

Symptoms of tetanus include:

Jaw stiffness (often called “lockjaw”)
Painful muscle spasms
Difficulty swallowing
Seizures or breathing problems in severe cases

Tetanus has no cure once symptoms begin, which makes prevention through a tetanus shot essential.

How Often Do You Need a Tetanus Shot?

Children and teens: Receive the DTaP and Tdap vaccines as part of their routine immunization schedule.
Adults: Should get a Tdap once if they didn’t receive it in adolescence, followed by a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years.
After injuries: A tetanus shot may be needed sooner, depending on the wound and vaccination history.

Walk In With Us

At UrgiClinic, we provide tetanus shots for urgent needs only, such as recent injuries, workplace accidents, or situations where you can’t wait for a primary care appointment. No referrals. No long waits.

Our team is here to guide you through fast testing, explain your results, and help you take timely next steps when your situation can't wait. Walk in with us today.

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