Tetanus - Vaccine

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Immunization schedule

Tetanus vaccination is one of the recommended childhood immunizations and should begin during infancy. Tetanus immunization is generally required before starting school. Five doses of vaccine are recommended.

DTaP or DT immunization is usually a series of injections given to children at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 15 to 18 months. A booster is given before starting school (age 4 to 6).

DTaP is recommended, unless there is a reason that the child should not receive the pertussis vaccine (such as allergic reaction), in which case the DT should be given.

After the initial series of immunizations, a booster of Td vaccine should be given at age 11 to 12 and every 10 years thereafter.

T vaccine or a Td booster may be given to an adult receiving care for a wound or injury that breaks the skin. Typically, a booster is given if the wound is dirty and the last Td booster was given more than 5 years previous to the injury.

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