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Tetanus Vaccination

One of the Recommended Vaccines

Vaccines are available that can help prevent tetanus, an infection caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria. Four kinds of vaccines used today protect against tetanus, all of which also protect against other diseases:

  • Diphtheria and tetanus (DT) vaccines
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccines
  • Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccines
  • Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines

Babies and children younger than 7 years old receive DTaP or DT, while older children and adults receive Tdap and Td.

CDC recommends tetanus vaccination for all babies and children, preteens and teens, and adults. Talk with your or your child’s healthcare professional if you have questions about tetanus vaccines.

Tetanus vaccines for DTaP, Tdap, and Td.

CDC recommends tetanus vaccination for:

  • Young children
  • Preteens
  • Adults

Related Pages

Also Known As & Abbreviations

  • Tetanus = Lockjaw
  • DTaP = Pediatric – Diphtheria-Tetanus-acellular Pertussis vaccine
  • DT = Pediatric Diphtheria-Tetanus vaccine
  • Td = Older children and adults – Tetanus-diphtheria vaccine
  • Tdap = Older children and adults – Tetanus-diphtheria-acellular Pertussis vaccine
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