Got a wound?
Many people get confused: do you need a tetanus toxoid vaccine or a tetanus antitoxin (TIG)?
Below everything you need to know in simple terms
Thread 👇🏾
Many people get confused: do you need a tetanus toxoid vaccine or a tetanus antitoxin (TIG)?
Below everything you need to know in simple terms
Thread 👇🏾
Tetanus is deadly because once the toxin binds to your nerves, no drug can remove it. That is why doctors focus on prevention with vaccines and emergency protection with antitoxin when wounds occur.
But these two are not the same thing.
But these two are not the same thing.
🔑 Tetanus toxoid (the vaccine/booster) 💉
This is the vaccine most people take in childhood. It teaches your immune system how to make antibodies that will protect you for many years
It doesn’t work instantly, but it builds long-term immunity. Boosters are needed every 10 yrs
This is the vaccine most people take in childhood. It teaches your immune system how to make antibodies that will protect you for many years
It doesn’t work instantly, but it builds long-term immunity. Boosters are needed every 10 yrs
🔑 Tetanus antitoxin (TIG – immune globulin) 🛡️
This is not a vaccine. It’s a ready-made antibody given when there’s a high risk of tetanus.
It works immediately but only for a short time. It does not give future protection, which means you still need the vaccine later.
This is not a vaccine. It’s a ready-made antibody given when there’s a high risk of tetanus.
It works immediately but only for a short time. It does not give future protection, which means you still need the vaccine later.
So what happens if you get a wound?
It depends on two things:
1. What kind of wound you have
👉 If the wound is small and clean, and your last tetanus booster was within 10 years → you are protected, no injection needed.
It depends on two things:
1. What kind of wound you have
👉 If the wound is small and clean, and your last tetanus booster was within 10 years → you are protected, no injection needed.
👉 If the wound is risky (dirty, deep, or caused by rusty objects) and it’s been more than 5-10 years since your last booster → you may need a tetanus toxoid booster.
👉 If you were never vaccinated or you don’t remember your status → doctors usually give both:
👉 If you were never vaccinated or you don’t remember your status → doctors usually give both:
- TIG for immediate protection
- Toxoid to build long-term defense
This way, you are safe now and protected in the future.
- Toxoid to build long-term defense
This way, you are safe now and protected in the future.
🔑 Why is this important?
Because tetanus is unforgiving.
A single deep wound can be enough to trigger muscle spasms so strong they bend the body backwards, block breathing, or cause death.
And once the toxin acts, treatment becomes extremely difficult.
Because tetanus is unforgiving.
A single deep wound can be enough to trigger muscle spasms so strong they bend the body backwards, block breathing, or cause death.
And once the toxin acts, treatment becomes extremely difficult.
🔑 The bottom line is simple:
Toxoid = long-term protection
Antitoxin (TIG) = instant but short protection
Sometimes, both are needed depending on the situation.
Always let a healthcare provider guide you after a wound.
Toxoid = long-term protection
Antitoxin (TIG) = instant but short protection
Sometimes, both are needed depending on the situation.
Always let a healthcare provider guide you after a wound.
Tetanus is 100% preventable but almost impossible to cure. Treat every wound seriously.
Your future self will thank you.
Please share 🙏🏼
If this was helpful, give me a follow @OGreat6
Your future self will thank you.
Please share 🙏🏼
If this was helpful, give me a follow @OGreat6
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