Disease of the Week – Tetanus

Vaccines for Tetanus

Several vaccines protect against tetanus. Since protection from tetanus decreases over time, CDC recommends tetanus vaccines for people of all ages. CDC recommends DTaP shots for babies at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, and again at 15 through 18 months old. Children need a DTaP booster at ages 4 through 6 years. CDC recommends that all preteens and teens get a Tdap vaccine, preferably at 11 or 12 years old. Adults need to get a tetanus booster shot, either Td or Tdap, every 10 years to stay protected.