Re: Tetnus Shots

Have you been to any third world countries where you cut yourself on a rusty piece of metal and were exposed to filthy conditions? If not, consider that there are only around 50 cases per year, since the mid-1970s, of Tetanus in the United States. Even if you are fully vaccinated, there is a 1 in 6 chance of getting Tetanus. I would imagine that more people die or have a severe reaction from taking the vaccine then actually aquire the disease. According to the statistics, people who take the vaccine who have complications often have a severe reaction: 4% of complications end with the death of the patient, 6% cause permanent damage (10 p163). Side-effects occur after boosters as well as after primary vaccination (10 p164). http://www.whale.to/v/tetanus.html

Is it worth the risk? There are several times that amount of people who are struck by lightning each year. Did your doctor suggest you wear rubber soled shoes and avoid going outside on rainy days? If the odds are better to be struck by lightning then getting tetanus, I think I might not take the risk. It sounds to me as if your doctor is trying to get a return visit and a frequent customer by offering a useless vaccination for an almost extinct disease.






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If I can remember correctly, there are only a half a dozen or so cases of Tetanus each year in the United States. Is it worth the risk? Tweet