Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
The recommended tetanus vaccination schedule in the UK aims for a full five-dose course to ensure immunity NICE CKS,NICE CKS. Tetanus vaccine is only available as a component of a combined product NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- Routine Vaccination Schedule:
- All individuals in the UK should receive tetanus vaccine as part of the routine childhood vaccination programme NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- For children over 10 years of age and adults who have not been vaccinated, the schedule includes a primary course of three doses of vaccine (Td/IPV) given one month apart NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- This primary course is followed by two booster doses: the first 5–10 years after the last dose of the primary course, and the second 10 years after the first booster NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- Tetanus Prophylaxis for Wounds:
An adequate priming course is defined as at least three doses of tetanus vaccine NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- For Children Under 5 Years (with adequate priming course):
- A tetanus vaccine is generally not required for wounds NICE CKS. Continue with the recommended vaccination schedule NICE CKS.
- For Children Aged 5–10 Years:
- With adequate priming course and preschool booster: A tetanus vaccine is not required for wounds NICE CKS. Continue with the recommended vaccination schedule NICE CKS.
- With adequate priming course but no preschool booster:
- For a clean wound, a tetanus vaccine is not required NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- For a tetanus-prone wound, administer an immediate reinforcing dose of the tetanus vaccine NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- For a high-risk tetanus-prone wound, administer an immediate reinforcing dose of the tetanus vaccine plus one dose of human tetanus immunoglobulin (HTIG) in a different site NICE CKS,NICE CKS. If HTIG is unavailable in primary care, refer the person to A&E NICE CKS,NICE CKS. Human normal immunoglobulin (HNIG) may be used as an alternative NICE CKS,NICE CKS. Continue with the recommended vaccination schedule NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- For People Aged 11 Years and Over (with adequate priming course):
- Last dose within 10 years: A tetanus vaccine is not required for wounds NICE CKS,NICE CKS. Continue with the recommended vaccination schedule NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- Last dose more than 10 years ago:
- For a clean wound, a tetanus vaccine is not required NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- For a tetanus-prone wound, administer an immediate reinforcing dose of the tetanus vaccine NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- For a high-risk tetanus-prone wound, administer an immediate reinforcing dose of the tetanus vaccine plus one dose of HTIG in a different site NICE CKS,NICE CKS. If HTIG is unavailable in primary care, refer the person to A&E NICE CKS,NICE CKS. HNIG may be used as an alternative NICE CKS,NICE CKS. Continue with the recommended vaccination schedule NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- For People Who Have Not Received an Adequate Priming Course (at least 3 doses) or Immunization Status is Unknown/Uncertain:
- For a clean wound, administer an immediate reinforcing dose of the tetanus vaccine NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- For a tetanus-prone wound or high-risk tetanus-prone wound, administer an immediate reinforcing dose of the tetanus vaccine plus one dose of HTIG in a different site NICE CKS,NICE CKS. If HTIG is unavailable in primary care, refer the person to A&E NICE CKS,NICE CKS. HNIG may be used as an alternative NICE CKS,NICE CKS. A full course of tetanus immunization is likely to be required NICE CKS. Continue with the recommended vaccination schedule NICE CKS,NICE CKS.
- For Children Under 5 Years (with adequate priming course):