Tetanus vaccination#

Information about the tetanus vaccine (and the combined tetanus-diphtheria- pertussis adult booster), who needs it, when it is given, and how TeleTest can help with adult and travel-related boosters.

The tetanus vaccine protects against tetanus, a serious illness caused by a toxin from a soil bacterium (Clostridium tetani) that enters the body through cuts, puncture wounds, or burns. In Canada, the adult booster is usually given as a combined shot that also protects against diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis).

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What it protects against and why it matters#

Tetanus is caused by a bacterium found in soil, dust, and animal feces. When it enters a wound, it can produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, causing severe muscle stiffness and spasms (sometimes called "lockjaw"). It is uncommon in Canada because of routine childhood vaccination, but it remains serious - the case fatality rate is high, even with intensive care.

The adult booster in Canada usually combines tetanus with two other protections:

  • Diphtheria - a bacterial throat infection that can block the airway
  • Pertussis (whooping cough) - a respiratory illness that is mild in older children and adults but can be life-threatening in young babies

Because of this, the adult booster is sometimes called the tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis booster, or a "Td" booster (tetanus and diphtheria only, no pertussis).

Who should get it and when#

The Canadian Immunization Guide recommends the following for adults:

  • A booster every 10 years through adulthood
  • At least one adult booster that contains pertussis, ideally given as the first adult booster, even if you had pertussis as a child
  • A booster in every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks. This passes antibodies to the baby and helps protect the newborn against whooping cough before they can be vaccinated themselves
  • A booster after a deep, dirty, or contaminated wound if your last dose was more than 5 years ago, or if your last dose was more than 10 years ago for a clean minor wound
  • An adult booster for anyone in close contact with newborns (parents, grandparents, caregivers) where the pertussis-containing version has not been given before

Travellers heading to remote areas where wound care may be limited should also make sure their booster is up to date.

How TeleTest helps#

  • What we do. We can review your immunization history, confirm whether you are due for a booster, and write the prescription for the tetanus-containing vaccine. We can also advise on whether your wound situation needs a booster or in-person assessment.
  • What we do not do. We do not administer injectable vaccines on site. Once we write the prescription, you book the injection at your pharmacy (in provinces where pharmacists administer vaccines), your local public health unit, a walk-in clinic, or a travel-medicine clinic. For deep, dirty, or infected wounds - especially anything beyond a clean superficial cut - please be seen in person at an urgent care or emergency department; we do not manage active wound care online.

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Common questions#

How do I know when my last tetanus shot was?#

If you can't recall, check with your family doctor, the public health unit in the city where you grew up, or the pharmacy if you got the booster there. If your records aren't available and it has been a long time, it is usually safe and reasonable to give a booster.

What's the difference between the children's and adult versions?#

In Canada, the children's vaccines (used through about age 6) contain higher doses of the diphtheria and pertussis components. The adult and adolescent versions contain reduced doses of diphtheria and pertussis, which is why the labels say "Td" (tetanus + reduced diphtheria) or include "ap" for the reduced pertussis component. The tetanus protection is the same.

I'm pregnant. When should I get it?#

Canadian guidelines recommend a pertussis-containing booster in every pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 32 weeks. This is the strongest evidence-based way to protect a newborn against whooping cough during the first months of life, before they are old enough for their own shots. The booster is safe in pregnancy.

I got cut on something dirty. Do I need a shot today?#

If you have a deep puncture wound, a wound contaminated with soil or animal feces, a burn, or a wound that is more than a few hours old, please be seen in person. The clinician will assess the wound and decide if a booster (or in some cases tetanus immune globulin) is needed. Do not rely on an online consultation for active wound care.

For a clean, minor wound, the timing is less urgent: if your last booster was within 10 years, you are protected. If it has been more than 10 years (or more than 5 years for a dirtier wound), you should get a booster soon.

What are the side effects?#

Common side effects are mild: pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site, tiredness, mild fever, or a headache. These usually settle in 1-2 days. Serious reactions are very rare.

Can I get the booster if I'm allergic to one component?#

If you've had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or to a known component of the vaccine, you should not receive the same product without an allergist's input. Mild reactions like soreness or a low-grade fever after a previous dose are not contraindications.

Can I get it at the same time as other vaccines?#

Yes. The tetanus booster can be given safely at the same visit as most other vaccines, including the influenza, COVID, shingles, pneumococcal, and travel vaccines. It is often combined with travel-vaccine appointments.

What if I never had any childhood tetanus shots?#

Adults without a documented primary series need three doses: the first two doses 4-8 weeks apart, and the third dose 6-12 months after the second. After that, a booster every 10 years is enough.

I'm travelling overseas. Do I need to do anything special?#

For most travel, an up-to-date adult booster is sufficient. For travel to remote areas where medical care after a wound might be hard to reach, make sure your last booster was within the past 10 years before you depart. This often comes up at pre-travel consultations.

What about a tetanus-only shot?#

A tetanus-only vaccine is rarely used in Canada. The standard adult booster is the combined tetanus and reduced diphtheria (Td) vaccine, or - more commonly now - the combined tetanus, reduced diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccine, because combining them gives better population protection against whooping cough.

Cost and coverage#

The tetanus-containing booster is free of charge in Canada when given through a public health unit or, in many provinces, through a pharmacy under the publicly funded immunization program. There is no out-of-pocket cost for the vaccine itself.

Some pharmacies charge a small administration fee if you get the shot outside a publicly funded program. Travel-medicine clinics may also charge a visit fee. The TeleTest consultation fee covers the review and prescription; a receipt is available for reimbursement through private or workplace plans.

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Last reviewed: Spring 2026. Reviewed by Dr. Mohan Pandit, Chief Medical Officer at TeleTest. We review this page periodically as medical guidelines, lab practices, and provincial programs evolve. This page is for general information, not personal medical advice. If you've noticed information that may be out of date or have suggestions, please contact us - we appreciate the help keeping these resources accurate.

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