Tetanus vaccine

The tetanus vaccine protects against tetanus infection. Find out about the vaccine and possible side effects.

Type of medicine Also called
  • Vaccines
  • Infanrix-hexa®
  • Infanrix-IPV®
  • Boostrix®

What is the tetanus vaccine?

The tetanus vaccine is used to protect against tetanus infection. This is a serious disease caused by tetanus bacteria, which is found in soil and manure. If an adult or child has a cut exposed to soil, they could get tetanus. Other ways tetanus bacteria can get into your body are through:

  • open fractures where the skin is broken and the bone exposed
  • bite wounds
  • wounds that have foreign objects, such as wood splinters
  • crush injuries
  • burns
  • body piercings and tattoos
  • eye injuries.

Tetanus affects your nervous system and causes severe muscle contractions, mainly of your jaw and neck muscles. Find out more about tetanus.

  • Vaccination is the best method for preventing tetanus infection. 
  • This does not stop the bacteria growing in a contaminated wound, but it provides protection against the harmful toxin released by the bacteria.
  • You cannot get tetanus disease from the vaccine, as it does not contain live, active bacteria.

When is tetanus vaccine given?

In New Zealand, tetanus vaccine is given in combination with other vaccines as 1 injection and comes in different brands: Infanrix-hexa®, Infanrix-IPV® and Boostrix®.

Vaccination with 3 or more doses of a tetanus-containing vaccine is required for full protection, followed by booster vaccinations throughout life. 

As part of the New Zealand childhood immunisation schedule tetanus vaccine is offered free to: 

  • babies at 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months as Infanrix-hexa®
  • children at 4 years as Infanrix-IPV®.  

Read more about childhood immunisation.

Getting the tetanus vaccine in childhood does not offer lifelong immunity, as the effect of the vaccine wears off with time, so booster doses are needed. Booster doses are free for children at 11 years and adults at 65 years of age (Boostrix®). Adults who have not previously received 4 doses of tetanus-containing vaccine can get Boostrix at 45 years of age.

Read more about immunisation for older children and immunisation for older adults.

Boosters may also be needed after some cuts, grazes and wounds if it has been more than 5 years since the last booster. Adults who have never had a tetanus injection will need to have a course of 3 injections at least 1 month apart. 

It is recommended that pregnant women get the Boostrix vaccine during their second or third trimester. Read more about pregnancy and immunisation.

How is tetanus vaccine given?

Tetanus vaccine is given by injection in combination with other vaccines such as diphtheria. It is given into a muscle.

What are the side effects of tetanus vaccine?

Like all medicines, the tetanus vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. 

Side effects What should I do?
  • Pain, swelling or redness around the injection site
  • This is quite common after having the vaccination.
  • It usually starts a few hours after getting the injection and settles within a few days.
  • Place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack where the injection was given. Leave it on for a short time. 
  • Don't rub the injection site.
  • Tell your doctor if troublesome.
  • Read more: After your immunisation
  • Fever
  • This is quite common for the first 1 or 2 days after receiving the injection and usually settles within a few days.
  • Dress lightly, with a single layer of clothing.
  • Don't wrap your child in a blanket.
  • Keep the room cool and use a fan.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.
  • The routine use of paracetamol is not recommended following vaccinations, but may be used if your child is miserable or distressed.
  • Tell your doctor if the fever persists.
  • Read more: After your immunisation
  • Feeling unwell, tired or weak
  • Loss of appetite
  • Muscle ache
  • Headache
  • These are quite common for the first 1 or 2 days after receiving the injection.
  • They usually settle within a few days.
  • Rest and drink plenty of fluids.
  • The routine use of paracetamol is not recommended following vaccinations, but may be used for relief of severe discomfort.
  • Tell your doctor if troublesome.
  • Read more: After your immunisation
  • Signs of an allergic reaction such as skin rash, itching, blisters, peeling skin, swelling of your face, lips or  mouth, or problems breathing
  • Allergic reactions to tetanus vaccine are rare.
  • If you develop these signs within a few days of the vaccination, tell your doctor immediately or phone Healthline 0800 611 116.

Where can I get vaccinated?

The best place to go for vaccinations is your family medical clinic. They have your medical records and can check to see if you’ve already had a particular vaccination. Either your doctor or a nurse can give the vaccination.

If you don’t have a family doctor, you can go to one of the after-hour medical clinics. Phone them first to make sure they can help you with the vaccination you need.

You can find a clinic near you on the Healthpoint website. Put in your address and region, and under Select a service, click on GPs/Accident & Urgent Medical Care.

Vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule are free. Other vaccines are funded only for people at particular risk of disease. You can choose to pay for vaccines that you are not eligible to receive for free.

Learn more

The following links provide further information on tetanus vaccine. 

Tetanus The Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ

References

  1. Tetanus Immunisation Handbook 2020, NZ
Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist. Reviewed By: Angela Lambie, Pharmacist, Auckland Last reviewed: 29 Sep 2020