How to Say “Tetanus Shot” in Spanish

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vacuna contra el tétanos
/bakuna kontɾa el tetanos/from spelling rules
The English phrase "tetanus shot" is translated into Spanish as vacuna contra el tétanos.
This phrase refers to an injection used to prevent the disease tetanus. While vacuna (vaccine) is the most common term, you can also use inyección contra el tétanos to refer specifically to the shot itself. If you want to express the action of "getting" a shot, Spanish speakers often use the reflexive verb ponerse (to put on oneself), such as in the phrase ponerse la vacuna del tétanos.

What does it mean word for word?

The phrase vacuna contra el tétanos is composed of vacuna (vaccine), contra (against) and el tétanos (the tetanus).

Is it said differently in some regions?

In some Latin American countries, the term vacuna antitetánica might be the preferred way to say it.

Did you know?

  • The Spanish word vacuna comes from vaca, meaning 'cow'. This is because the first smallpox vaccines were derived from cowpox.
  • In Spanish, tétanos is almost always used with the definite article el, even when referring to the disease in a general medical sense.

Examples in context

  • En México, recomendaría ponerse la vacuna antitetánica cada diez años.
    In Mexico, I would recommend getting a tetanus shot every ten years.
  • Necesito ponerme la vacuna contra el tétanos.
    I need to get the tetanus shot.
  • ¿Es necesaria la vacuna contra el tétanos?
    Is the tetanus shot necessary?
  • Tengo que llamar para pedir la vacuna contra el tétanos.
    I have to call to request the tetanus shot.

Example conversation

At a doctor's office.

  1. María

    Hola, vengo para la vacuna contra el tétanos.
    Hello, I am here for the tetanus shot.
  2. Daniel

    ¿Trae su registro de vacunación, María?
    Do you have your vaccination record, María?
  3. María

    Sí, lo tengo aquí en mi bolso.
    Yes, I have it here in my bag.
  4. Daniel

    Perfecto, tome asiento y espere un momento.
    Perfect, please take a seat and wait a moment.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries contra, el, tétanos, vacuna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Herman Manuel
Herman ManuelHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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