Tetanus shots, while unpleasant, are life-saving and have nearly eliminated a tragic illness from our society. Tetanus kills 45-55% of all patients who get the disease. The disease tetanus is caused by a poison produced by the bacteria "Clostridium tetani" - it lives where there is no oxygen, such as under rust. The risk of serious reactions from tetanus shots is very low. For those who have received immunizations in the past, no tetanus shots are needed for five years. Between 5-10 years, you will get a tetanus booster when you get a wound. Everyone needs a booster every 10 years. Those whose immunizations are out of date require an additional shot of "tetanus immune globulin" after a dangerous wound. Diptheria immunization is usually also given with tetanus shots.

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