Tetanus vaccine

What is tetanus

Tetanus is a serious disease caused by bacteria that can enter the body through a cut or wound. It can cause painful muscle spasms, especially in the neck and jaw, causing the jaw to close tightly (lockjaw). In severe cases, tetanus can make it hard to breathe and can be life-threatening. 

What is the tetanus vaccine

The tetanus vaccine is an injection that helps protect people from tetanus. The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes tetanus, without causing the disease itself. 

In Australia, tetanus vaccines are only available as combination vaccines that protect against other diseases, such as diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) (dTpa vaccine). 

Tetanus vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against tetanus and its complications. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection. 

You can find product information and consumer medicine information about tetanus vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.

Who can get the tetanus vaccine

The vaccine is free under the NIP schedule for: 

• babies at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age 
• children at 4 years of age 
• teens at 12 to 13 years of age 
• people 19 years of age or under (as a catch-up vaccination) 
• refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age (as a catch-up vaccination). 

You must also have a Medicare card or be eligible for one. This includes babies and children.  

If you are not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP

Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you or your child. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription.    

If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP.   

Some vaccines not funded by the NIP may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more.

How the tetanus vaccine is given

Costs

Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines (including free ones). Check before you make an appointment. 

Side effects

Most side effects of tetanus vaccines are mild and last no more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are rare. 

Common side effects include: 

• mild fever 
• pain, redness and swelling at the injection site 
• unsettled, unhappy and sleepy (babies). 

Occasionally, a lump may form at the injection site. This may last for many weeks, but no treatment is needed. 

Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional. 

Checking immunisation history

You can get proof of vaccination for you or your child. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.  

Information for health professionals

If you are a health professional, visit our Vaccination clinical support for health professionals page for more information. 

You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook tetanus page. 

Next steps

Talk to a health professional to confirm if the tetanus vaccine is free or recommended for you. 

Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department. 

More information

• View our NIP resources. 
• Watch our video called What is tetanus? to find out why childhood tetanus vaccination is so important.   
• Visit our Childhood immunisation site. 
• Read the DTPa-HB-IPV-Hib vaccine (Vaxelis® and Infanrix hexa® frequently asked questions on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia website. 

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