Types of Tetanus Vaccines

Key points

  • Tetanus vaccines are combined with diphtheria and sometimes whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines.
  • Among those fully vaccinated, tetanus vaccines are very effective for approximately 10 years.
  • Due to vaccination, tetanus is now uncommon in the United States.
  • Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about these vaccines.

Types

All tetanus vaccines are combined with components that provide protection against other diseases too:

  • DTaP: Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis)
  • Tdap: Tetanus, diphtheria, and whooping cough
  • Td: Tetanus and diphtheria

Available vaccines

DTaP vaccines

Vaccine providers give up to 5 DTaP shots to babies and young children.

In addition to diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough, some brands provide protection against other diseases like:

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Hepatitis b
  • Polio
  • Use: All 5 shots
  • Ages: 6 weeks through 6 years
  • Use: All 5 shots
  • Ages: 6 weeks through 6 years
  • Use: Fifth shot only
  • Ages: 4 through 6 years
  • Other diseases: Polio
  • Use: First 3 shots
  • Ages: 6 weeks through 4 years
  • Other diseases: Hepatitis B and polio
  • Use: First 4 shots
  • Ages: 6 weeks through 4 years
  • Other diseases: Invasive Hib disease and polio
  • Use: Fifth shot only
  • Ages: 4 through 6 years
  • Other diseases: Polio
  • Use: First 3 shots
  • Ages: 6 weeks through less than 1 year
  • Other diseases: Hepatitis B, invasive Hib disease, and polio

Tdap vaccines

There are 2 Tdap brands: Adacel® and Boostrix®.

Vaccine providers give Tdap to people 7 years or older:

  • As a preteen or teen
  • During pregnancy
  • As a booster every 10 years (Td is another option for these boosters)
  • As part of a 3-shot series for those never vaccinated
  • To complete the childhood vaccine series if needed

Td vaccine

There is 1 Td brand: TENIVAC®.

Vaccine providers give this vaccine to people 7 years or older

  • As a booster every 10 years (Tdap is another option for these boosters)
  • As part of a 3-shot series for those never vaccinated
  • To complete the childhood vaccine series if needed
  • In some cases, as part of wound management
  • In the rare situation someone has a contraindication to pertussis-containing vaccine

How well they work

Tetanus vaccines work well but protection decreases over time. They protect virtually everyone who is fully vaccinated against tetanus for 10 years.

Resources

Vaccine Information Statements

DTaP: English | Other languages

Td: English | Other languages

Tdap: English | Other languages

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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Division of Bacterial Diseases