The general recommendation for tetanus vaccination is as follows:
- For infants and children under 7 years: A 5-dose DTaP series is given at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 15-18 months, and 4-6 years of age
- For adolescents: A single dose of Tdap is recommended at 11 to 12 years of age
- For adults: After the initial series, a tetanus booster shot (Td or Tdap) is recommended every 10 years to maintain protection against tetanus
If a person experiences a wound that is contaminated or potentially tetanus- prone and their last booster was more than 5 years ago, a booster may be recommended sooner
. Although a 2016 study suggested that immunity might last up to 30 years after the primary series, current official guidelines from the CDC and other health authorities still recommend a booster every 10 years for adults to ensure ongoing protection
. In summary, adults should get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years, while children and adolescents follow the initial series and booster schedule as outlined above.
