tetanus vaccine how often

The tetanus vaccine is recommended to be given every 10 years for adults to maintain protection against tetanus. The routine immunization schedule includes a primary series of tetanus-containing vaccines in childhood, followed by booster doses every 10 years throughout adulthood. For children, the vaccine is given as a series of 5 doses as DTaP in early childhood, and adolescents receive a single dose of Tdap around age 11 to 12. Adults, after receiving the initial Tdap, should get Td or Tdap booster shots every 10 years. In the case of certain wounds, a tetanus booster might be given more frequently, such as every 5 years if at risk. This schedule helps ensure ongoing immunity against the serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which can be fatal without vaccination.