08/20/2026
🩹 **When Was Your Last Tetanus Shot?**
Most people think of tetanus when they hear “rusty nail,” but **rust itself doesn’t cause tetanus**. The real concern is bacteria that can enter the body through a wound—especially deep punctures, cuts, burns, crush injuries, animal bites, or wounds contaminated with dirt or debris.
Tetanus is rare in the U.S. thanks to vaccination, but it can be serious and even life-threatening, causing severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and other dangerous complications.
💉 For adults:
• A tetanus-containing booster is generally recommended every 10 years.
• If you have a dirty or major wound, you may need a booster if it has been more than 5 years since your last shot.
• For a clean, minor wound, a booster may be recommended if it has been more than 10 years.
• Not sure when you last had one? *Don’t guess—check with your health care provider or pharmacy.
🤰 Pregnant? Tdap is recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between 27–36 weeks, to help protect both mom and baby from whooping cough.
🌾 Staying up to date is especially important for people who work or spend a lot of time outdoors, including farmers, gardeners, construction workers, and anyone who frequently gets cuts or puncture wounds.
A little prevention goes a long way. If you’re unsure whether you’re due for a tetanus booster, we’re happy to help you check your vaccination record and talk through your options.
You don't need an appointment, just stop in and we can check your status (Nebraska records). If you want to get the vaccine and are due, we can do it while you're here!
Stay protected. Stay up to date.
Send a message to learn more
