Tetanus is rare in places with routine vaccination, but it still occurs worldwide and can be life-threatening if untreated. In the U.S., CDC surveillance says cases are sporadic, with fewer than 40 reported each year since 2010, and reported deaths have dropped by more than 99% since 1947.

How common it is

  • United States: fewer than 40 cases a year since 2010, with most cases in people who were never vaccinated, didn’t finish the series, or are overdue for boosters.
  • Netherlands: reported at 0 to 5 cases a year, mostly among older adults born before widespread childhood vaccination.
  • Worldwide: tetanus still exists in many countries, especially where vaccination coverage and birth-related hygiene are limited.

Why people still get it

Tetanus comes from toxin-producing bacteria that enter through wounds, not from person-to-person spread. The risk is much higher after dirty puncture wounds, and the disease is most often seen in people without up-to-date vaccination.

What this means practically

If you’re vaccinated and keep up with boosters, tetanus is very uncommon. If a wound is deep, dirty, or you’re unsure about your last tetanus shot, medical evaluation matters because prevention is much easier than treatment.

TL;DR: Tetanus is rare where vaccination is routine, but it’s still a real and serious risk after contaminated wounds, especially for unvaccinated or under-vaccinated people.