Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis Vaccine

Tetanus is found worldwide and can follow even a minor cut or graze, so keeping your protection up to date is a core part of travel health. We use Boosterix®, a combined booster that protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) in a single injection.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The bacteria are common in soil, dust and animal manure and enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as:

• Cuts and grazes
• Puncture wounds
• Animal bites
• Burns
• Wounds contaminated with soil or dirt

Tetanus does not spread from person to person. Once infection develops it causes painful muscle spasms and stiffness (often starting in the jaw — “lockjaw”), difficulty breathing, and can be fatal. Importantly, tetanus risk exists worldwide, including in high-income countries.

Why is vaccination important for travellers?

Travellers are at increased risk because:

• Minor injuries are more likely during travel
• Access to prompt wound care may be limited
• Emergency tetanus treatment may not be readily available

Tetanus vaccination is therefore considered a core travel vaccine, regardless of destination.

What is Boosterix®?

Boosterix® is a combined booster vaccine that protects against:

• Tetanus
• Diphtheria — still occurs in parts of Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe
• Pertussis (whooping cough) — can cause prolonged cough and severe illness, particularly in infants

For travel the tetanus component is the main reason the vaccine is recommended, but the added protection is worthwhile and avoids separate injections.

How effective is it, and when do I need a booster?

The tetanus vaccine is highly effective, protection is long-lasting when the schedule is followed, and severe tetanus is extremely rare in fully vaccinated people.

Who should have a booster before travel?

A booster is recommended if:

• Your last tetanus vaccine was more than 10 years ago
• You are unsure of your vaccination history
• You are travelling to areas with limited medical facilities
• You plan activities with a higher injury risk, such as:
  • Trekking or hiking
  • Cycling or motorbiking
  • Adventure sports
  • Volunteering or manual work

Who can have the vaccine?

• Suitable for adolescents and adults, with no upper age limit
• Can be given during pregnancy, particularly to protect the baby against pertussis
• Safe during breastfeeding

Side effects

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived, and may include:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Headache or muscle aches

Serious reactions are very rare.

Wounds still need proper care

Key points

• Tetanus is found worldwide and can follow minor injuries
• Vaccination is the only reliable protection
• A booster is recommended every 10 years, or 5 years for higher-risk travel
• Boosterix® conveniently covers tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis
• Checking your tetanus status is an essential part of travel health planning

Further reading (TravelHealthPro)

TravelHealthPro is the UK’s official travel health website, run by the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) for the UK Health Security Agency. It is the source we use for vaccine and malaria recommendations.

• Tetanus — disease information and booster recommendations
• Pertussis (whooping cough) and travel factsheet
• Country information — vaccine and malaria recommendations for every destination
• All TravelHealthPro factsheets

See also: Travel Clinic · Vaccinations · Fees