There are some travellers who would benefit from a tetanus booster before they travel. Getting vaccinated will help protect you against tetanus, which is a bacterial infection that can be fatal.
Do I need a tetanus shot for my trip abroad?
Tetanus occurs all over the world, but most people in Canada are vaccinated against tetanus as part of their regular vaccine schedule. But you can get a tetanus booster every ten years, and this is often recommended for frequent travellers.
When you come to our Edmonton travel health clinic ahead of your trip abroad, we may recommend a tetanus booster if you’re travelling to a remote area or somewhere that medical facilities are limited.
What is the vaccine for tetanus?
The vaccine for tetanus is Revaxis, which protects from polio, diphtheria and tetanus in one shot. We can administer Revaxis at our travel clinic.
How do I get a tetanus booster for my business trip?
To get a tetanus booster ahead of travel, make an appointment with us six to eight weeks before you are due to leave Canada. At this appointment, we can help you decide which shots – including tetanus – are right for your trip abroad.
We can also give you advice on other steps you can take to protect your health while travelling. For example, we can advise on sun safety, insect bite avoidance and antimalarials.
Could I get catch-up shots against tetanus?
If you have not completed the normal vaccine schedule for Canada, you can get catch-up shots, including for tetanus. Check your vaccine record with your usual healthcare provider to find out what vaccines you need.
Immunize Canada has more information about getting up to date with your tetanus immunization.
What to do if you think you have tetanus
A tetanus infection is an emergency, requiring medical support. If you suspect you or someone you’re travelling with has tetanus, seek medical advice immediately wherever you are in the world. Our advice article will tell you more about finding a healthcare professional while traveling abroad.
What are the symptoms of tetanus?
The symptoms of tetanus include painful muscle spasms and contractions that can result in:
- stiff neck
- lockjaw caused by spasms of the facial muscles
- forceful arching of the back
- breathing changes
- difficulties with swallowing
How can I avoid tetanus?
Tetanus is caused by a bacterial infection. The bacteria make a neurotoxin which affects nerves, causing the characteristic muscle spasms and contractions.
Making sure that you are up to date with your tetanus shots will give you a good degree of protection against tetanus.
The tetanus bacteria commonly enter the body by way of a wound. So, you can reduce your chances of exposure to the bacteria by avoiding accidents – for example, by not engaging in activities where you are more likely to get injured, and by using protective equipment such as helmets and eye protection.
You can reduce your chances of exposure to the bacteria that causes tetanus by taking care of any wounds you get. Some wounds are more likely to lead to a tetanus infection. These include:
- animal bites and scratches
- burns
- deep or large wounds
- dirty wounds and wounds with something embedded in them
- eye injuries
- bone fractures that break the skin
If you have a wound that is very dirty, or has something embedded in it, seek medical help with cleaning it.
Tetanus can kill, so it’s really important to get medical advice if you suspect you have an infected wound. This is particularly the case if you are not up to date with your tetanus shots, or if you already have a blood infection. An infected wound is often hot or inflamed, painful and dark in colour.
To find out more about getting vaccinated against tetanus ahead of your trip abroad, make an appointment with Canadian Travel Clinics.