The tetanus vaccine can prevent this disease. This vaccine is usually combined with the diphtheria and pertussis vaccine in the DPT vaccination. It is initially given in early childhood. Booster shots are needed every 5 to 10 years to maintain immunity.
For high-risk wounds in a person who has never been immunized or has not had the complete series of injections,
Aspiration pneumonia, caused by inhaling stomach contents, is a serious complication.
Tetanus is not contagious from person to person.