Can I get a tetanus vaccination while I’m pregnant?

Yes! Tdap vaccine is highly recommended for all pregnant women in order to prevent a possible infection during the baby’s delivery. Please note: the vaccine should be administered early in the third trimester.

When is it safe to get pregnant after being vaccinated?

Tdap vaccine is completely safe for pregnant women and their babies. So, women can plan their pregnancy at any time after vaccination.

How can I reduce my chances of getting tetanus?

Clean any wound with water, Apply a layer of topical antibiotic, Cover your wound with sterile bandages (and change them regularly), Contact a doctor (https://walk-in-clinic-ny.com/) as soon as possible.

What activities are high-risk?

The following increase the likelihood of tetanus acquisition: Any outdoor activity, Surgery, Any piercing procedure, Tattooing, Other activities that increase the chances of getting a wound, puncture, or burn. Importantly, people are at high risk of getting tetanus during natural disasters, wars, and car accidents.

Tetanus vaccine

This is a practical guide to tetanus vaccination.

The best part?

We’ll give you only factual information based on reliable sources and our nearly 20 years of experience in travel medicine.

If you like saving money and getting only absolutely necessary travel vaccinations, you’ll like this guide.

Let’s get started!

By Slava Fuzayloff | Published on November 23, 2023

Contents

At a glance

Required or recommended? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends it; no countries require it
How is tetanus transmitted? Tetanus is transmitted via a wound coming in direct contact with dust, animal feces, or other objects (learn more in the FAQ)
Is Tdap a part of routine childhood immunizations? Yes! Children receive six shots before they turn 6 (see the schedule below)
Duration of protection: The protection starts to decrease 10 years after the last shot has been administered
Is an adult Tdap booster necessary? Yes! The adult booster is recommended every 10 years

Tetanus (Tdap) Vaccine Info

Childhood vaccine schedule

The table below shows the Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine childhood immunization schedule. Please, check your records to see whether you have received all the shots at the recommended time intervals.

Tdap Vaccination Schedule

First dose: 2 months of age

Second dose: 4 months of age

Third dose: 6 months of age

Fourth dose: 15–18 months of age

Fifth dose: 4–6 years of age

Sixth dose: 11–12 years of age

Effectiveness of Tdap Vaccine

95% for diphtheria infection

100% for tetanus infection

Duration of
Tdap Vaccine Protection

10 years

Adult booster schedule

The table below shows the recommended vaccination schedule for adults who completed their Tdap childhood immunization.

Tdap Booster Vaccination Schedule

Everyone should get a Tdap shot once every 10 years

Effectiveness of
Tdap Booster Vaccine

95% for diphtheria infection

100% for tetanus infection

Duration of
Tdap Booster Vaccine Protection

10 years

Where It’s Most Common

Tetanus [2] Tetanus https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/tetanus is a deadly infection that kills about 40,000 people per year. The infectious agent of tetanus disease (C. Tetani) is widely spread in every country. The disease is more common in low-income countries because of noncompliance or unavailability of vaccination.
Today, the majority of tetanus cases (82%) are reported in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa.

See the annual number of tetanus cases for each country here

About Tetanus

Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani. These bacteria are found literally everywhere, especially in the soil, dust, human and animal feces, and ash. The populations most vulnerable to tetanus acquisition are considered to be pregnant women, newborns, and military personnel.

This section summarizes the most important facts about tetanus.

How is tetanus spread? Symptoms of Tetanus Incubation period of Tetanus Treatment for Tetanus

Tdap Vaccination FAQ

Here are the questions our patients frequently ask about the Tdap vaccination. [1] Tetanus Vaccination https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/tetanus/index.html We’ve answered them based on 20 years of being the busiest travel clinic in Midtown Manhattan, New York City.
Let’s dive in!

Tdap vaccine FAQ

Pregnancy FAQ

Side effects FAQ

Making a Decision about Getting a Shot

I don’t have time to be vaccinated.
How can I reduce my chances of getting sick?

Tetanus Vaccination
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/tetanus/index.html
Tetanus
https://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/advice/disease-prevention-advice/tetanus
Tetanus
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tetanus/
Vaccinations and Older Adults
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/immunizations-and-vaccines/vaccinations-and-older-adults

How long does protection from the initial childhood series last?

People who have completed the initial childhood series will be protected from tetanus for at least 10 years. They are advised to get a booster dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis vaccine) once every 10 years.

Who should get an adult booster shot?

It is recommended that everyone be up to date with the Tdap vaccine. This vaccination is especially important for pregnant women and military personnel.

How often should I get booster shots after the initial series?

Adults should get a Tdap vaccine once every 10 years.

Are there any blood test that will confirm my immunity?

Yes! There is a specific test that detects the level of antibodies against tetanus in your blood.

Is getting a booster required or recommended?

This vaccine is not required, but it is highly recommended since the infectious agent is widely spread in our environment and everyone is at risk of getting it. This is done routinely (every 10 years) even for people who do not travel.

Who cannot get a tetanus vaccine?

Anyone who has ever had a severe allergic reaction to a Tdap vaccine should avoid reimmunization. Also, the vaccine should not be given to people who have an allergy to any component of it.

How long before I travel should I get it?

Ideally, a booster dose of Tdap vaccine should be received two weeks before departure. However, if you get it later than that, it will still provide partial protection.

Can I choose to get the Tdap vaccine after exposure

You will not need any intervention except wound cleaning if it has been less than five years since your last tetanus and diphtheria toxoid-containing vaccine (Tdap) administration. However, in some situations you might need a vaccine and tetanus immunoglobulin. The recommendations regarding post-exposure tetanus vaccination are stated in the table below:

People Who Have Completed the Tdap Vaccination Schedule 5–10 Years Ago	People Who Have Completed the Tdap Vaccination Schedule Over 10 Years Ago	People Who Did Not Complete the Tdap Vaccination Schedule or Have No Proof of Tetanus Immunity
Get a single booster shot of Td vaccine if your wound is dirty and/or large	Get a single booster shot of Td vaccine	Get a Td vaccine Get tetanus immune globulin

Is Tdap routinely recommended and administered by US doctors?

Yes! The Tdap vaccine is strongly recommended to all adolescents and adults by US doctors. It is routinely administered every 10 years. The immunization status of patients is being frequently checked by primary care physicians.

If I do not have access to my childhood records, how many Tdap shots should I get to be safe?

An extra dose of the Tdap vaccine is totally safe. So, you can get a shot anytime to be on the safe side (one dose will be enough). Or, you can get a blood test to check whether you are immune to tetanus.

I am late getting my vaccination. Is it still worthwhile getting a Tdap shot?

Yes! Immunity to tetanus will continue to develop during your trip and give you partial protection from the disease.

I cannot find my records. Is an extra vaccine harmful to my health?

No! An extra dose of tetanus vaccine is completely safe.

How can I find my records?

Unfortunately, the United States has no nationwide system that maintains vaccine administration records. You can try to find your records by following the suggestions below.

Ways to Find Your Vaccine Administration Record
Check your medical records at the healthcare facility (immunization clinic) where you received the vaccine	Contact your school or college (Tdap vaccine is one of the vaccines listed in New York State
Ask your parents if they have those records	Contact your past employers (some of them require proof of immunization)
Check old medical records from your childhood	Contact your current healthcare provider Contact your local department of health

Tetanus vaccine [4] Vaccinations and Older Adults https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/immunizations-and-vaccines/vaccinations-and-older-adults is safe and effective. The majority of people do not have any vaccine-related side effects. But as with any vaccine, some adverse effects are possible:

Common Side Effects	Rare Side Effects
local redness, pain, swelling general discomfort nausea/vomiting diarrhea abdominal pain	hives swelling of the throat difficulty breathing fast heartbeat dizziness serious injury These are allergy-related side effects

What should I do if I have side effects from Tdap?

It is important to recognize the tetanus vaccine–associated side effects and know what action to take. See the table below.

Severe Side Effects	Minor Side Effects
Call 911 immediately if you have signs of vaccine allergy such as: swelling of the throat difficulty breathing fast heartbeat * If you have a vaccine-related injury, call 1-800-338-2382 for compensation.	Usually, minor side effects include local pain and general discomfort. They tend to resolve in one or two days and do not require any medical attention. Drink water and take over-the-counter medication such as Tylenol, Advil, or Benadryl as needed. *Call us at 212-696-5900 or your primary care physician if symptoms do not resolve within 48 hours.

Have a question?

212.696.5900

ask online