Key points
- CDC recommends tetanus vaccination for everyone.
- Tetanus vaccines are the best way to protect against tetanus and are very effective.
- Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about tetanus vaccines.
Overview
There are 3 types of combination vaccines that include protection against tetanus:
- DTaP
- Td
- Tdap
The letter "D/d" in DTaP and Tdap shows they also help protect against diphtheria. The letter "P/p" in DTaP and Tdap shows they also help protect against whooping cough (pertussis).
Why getting vaccinated is important
Tetanus is an uncommon but very serious disease that requires immediate treatment in a hospital. Tetanus vaccines help protect against tetanus.
Who should and shouldn't get vaccinated
Vaccine recommendations
CDC recommends tetanus vaccination for
- Babies and children
- Preteens and teens
- Women who are pregnant (to prevent whooping cough in newborns)
- Adults
Allergies, reactions: Talk with a vaccine provider
Talk to a vaccine provider about your vaccination history and a specific vaccine's ingredients. There may be times when someone shouldn't get DTaP, Td, or Tdap, like if they:
- Had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the vaccine(s)
- Have a life-threatening allergy to any part of the vaccine(s)
Additionally, discuss with a vaccine provider if a different vaccine other than DTaP or Tdap should be used. A vaccine provider may recommend a different vaccine if someone experienced encephalopathy within 7 days of receiving DTaP or Tdap. Encephalopathy is a brain disease that alters how the brain functions.
Feeling sick?
Other guidelines
Tell the vaccine provider if you or your child:
- Has seizures or another nervous system problem
- Has ever had Guillain-Barré syndrome (also called “GBS”)
- Had severe pain or swelling after a tetanus or diphtheria vaccine
How well they work
Vaccines that help protect against tetanus work well but protection decreases over time.
Possible side effects
Most people who get a vaccine that helps protect against tetanus don't have any serious problems. With any medicine, including vaccines, there's a chance of side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own within a few days, but serious reactions are possible.
Mild problems
- Swelling or soreness where the vaccine provider gave the vaccine
- Fever
- Irritability (fussiness)
- Feeling tired
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Pain, redness, or swelling where the vaccine provider gave the vaccine
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Feeling tired
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomachache
More serious reactions
More serious reactions after DTaP vaccination happen much less often than mild problems. They can include:
- Seizures
- Non-stop crying for 3 hours or more
- High fever (over 105°F)
Rarely, DTaP vaccination is followed by swelling of the entire arm or leg. While rare, if it happens it's usually in older children when they receive their fourth or fifth shot.
Finding and paying for vaccines
Vaccination locations
Children and teens
DTaP and Tdap are part of the routine childhood immunization schedule and regularly available for children at:
- Pediatric and family practice offices
- Community health clinics
- Public health departments
Adults
For adults, a healthcare provider's office or pharmacy are usually the best places to receive recommended vaccines. If your healthcare provider doesn't have Td or Tdap vaccines, ask for a referral.
Federally funded health centers can also provide services if you don't have a regular source of health care. Locate one near you.
You can also contact your health department to learn more about where to get vaccines in your community.
Vaccine costs
There are several ways to cover the cost of DTaP, Td, and Tdap vaccines:
Private health insurance
Most private health insurance plans cover this vaccine. Check with your insurance provider for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.
Vaccines for Children program
The Vaccines for Children (VFC) program provides vaccines to children whose parents or guardians may not be able to afford them.
Resources
Vaccine schedules
Parent-friendly schedule for children (birth through 6 years)
Parent-friendly schedule for children (7 through 18 years)
Easy-to-read schedule for adults (19 years and older)
Vaccine Information Statements
DTaP: English | Other languages
Tdap: English | Other languages