Routine adult
Adult booster protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Recommended every 10 years, and during each pregnancy (27–36 weeks) to protect newborns from whooping cough.
Who should get it
- Adults whose last tetanus-containing vaccine was ≥10 years ago
- Pregnant people in the third trimester (each pregnancy)
- People with tetanus-prone wounds if booster is overdue
- Adults in contact with young infants
Who should wait
- Moderate/severe acute illness — defer unless a tetanus-prone wound
Contraindications
- Anaphylaxis to a previous Td/Tdap dose
- Encephalopathy within 7 days of a previous pertussis-containing vaccine not attributable to another cause
Precautions
- Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of a previous tetanus toxoid vaccine
Common side effects
- Sore, swollen arm
- Low-grade fever
- Tiredness
Rare risks
- Severe allergic reaction
- Brachial neuritis (very rare)
Indications
Booster immunisation; wound management (tetanus-prone injuries); pregnancy dose for infant protection.
Regulatory note
Wound-related tetanus boosters may be given as walk-ins after screening.
