Can Taking A Tetanus Shot Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Posted on Mon, 2 May 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 May 2011 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : there are a few swollen lymphnodes in both of my armpits, now i did have a tetanus shot last tuesday, can this be the reason why my lymphnodes are swollen? i do have a few relatives that has died from non-hogkins lymphoma and luekimeia , should i be worried?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Raju.A.T (2 hours later)

Hi XXXXXXX

Thanks for your query,

Yes, there are chances for lymph nodes to get swollen after a tetanus shot.This is due to immune reaction to the toxin present in the vaccine .

Need not worry ,the swelling in the lymph nodes may not last long, may subside within 2 to 3 weeks of the injection without any intervention.

Discuss with your primary physician about the same , you may be needing an examination to confirm the same.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar