Tetanus Vaccination
Vaccines are available that can help prevent tetanus, an infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria. Four kinds of vaccines used today protect against tetanus, all of which also protect against other diseases:
- Diphtheria and tetanus (DT) vaccines
- Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccines
- Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccines
- Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines
Babies and children younger than 7 years old receive DTaP or DT, while older children and adults receive Tdap and Td.
CDC recommends tetanus vaccination for all babies and children, preteens and teens, and adults. Talk with your or your child’s healthcare professional if you have questions about tetanus vaccines.
Basic information for people interested in diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough vaccination…
Vaccine recommendations and contraindications; composition, immunogenicity, and efficacy; storage and handling; administration details...
- Young children
- Preteens
- Adults
- CDC’s Tetanus Website
- Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Whooping Cough Vaccine Information Statements
- DTaP (English / Other Languagesexternal icon)
- Td (English / Other Languagesexternal icon)
- Tdap (English / Other Languagesexternal icon)
- Tetanus Information on vaccines.govexternal icon
- Photos of Tetanus Bacteria and People Affected by Tetanus
Warning: Some of these photos are graphic.