Animal bites rarely cause tetanus. Most children born in the US have received three tetanus shots (boosters) in the past, because these boosters are part of the usual vaccination schedule. Additional tetanus boosters are given every 10 years.

A tetanus booster should be administered immediately if a person:

• Has received fewer than 3 tetanus shots in the past
• Is uncertain whether he or she has been vaccinated in the past

For those who have received three tetanus boosters in the past, a tetanus booster should be administered if he or she has not received a tetanus booster in the past 5 years. In this case, the tetanus booster should be administered within three days of the bite and can be performed in a doctor's office or clinic.