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At EZMED Primary & Urgent Care, we provide same-day evaluation of wounds that may place patients at risk for tetanus, along with tetanus vaccination when appropriate. We also offer Tdap vaccination during pregnancy to help protect newborns from whooping cough during their first months of life.
Whether you've stepped on a nail, suffered a puncture wound, or need your recommended pregnancy Tdap vaccine, our experienced providers can evaluate your situation and determine the most appropriate care.
Tetanus is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The spores are commonly found in:
Although people often associate tetanus with rusty nails, rust itself does not cause tetanus. Instead, injuries involving objects exposed to soil or outdoor environments may introduce bacterial spores into a wound.
Deep puncture wounds and contaminated injuries provide conditions that allow the bacteria to grow and produce toxin.
Our providers commonly evaluate injuries such as:
Every injury is different, so vaccination recommendations depend on both the wound and your vaccination history.
Depending on the type of injury and your immunization history, your provider may recommend a Tdap or Td vaccine if:
Some patients with certain high-risk wounds and incomplete immunization histories may also require Tetanus Immune Globulin (TIG) in addition to vaccination.
Although tetanus is uncommon in the United States, it can be life-threatening once symptoms develop. Fortunately, appropriate wound care and timely vaccination are highly effective at preventing infection.
During your visit, our providers may perform:
The Tdap vaccine protects against:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends Tdap during every pregnancy, regardless of previous vaccination history, because maternal antibodies help protect newborns before they are old enough to receive their own vaccines.
The preferred timing is between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
Receiving the vaccine during this window allows protective antibodies to cross the placenta and provide passive immunity to the baby during the first weeks of life.
Whooping cough can be especially severe in young infants and may cause:
Because newborns cannot complete their own vaccine series immediately after birth, maternal vaccination provides important early protection.
Yes. Tdap:
EZMED Primary & Urgent Care provides:
Our providers evaluate each patient individually to determine the most appropriate treatment and vaccination recommendations.
Not always. Whether you need a tetanus vaccine depends on the type of injury, how long it has been since your last tetanus-containing vaccine, and your overall vaccination history. Our providers can determine whether a booster is recommended.
Yes. Tdap is routinely recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, to help protect your baby from pertussis after birth.
No. Walk-ins are welcome during business hours, and appointments are also available for your convenience.
Whether you need evaluation of a recent injury, a tetanus booster, or Tdap vaccination during pregnancy, EZMED provides prompt, evidence-based care in a convenient walk-in setting.
Visit our Timonium office, schedule an appointment online, or call us to learn more about our vaccination and wound care services.