Tetanus vaccines

Travellers should have completed (or be up to date with) a primary UK vaccine course according to the NHS vaccination schedule. If visiting countries where medical facilities may be limited, a booster dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine is recommended if the last dose was more than ten years ago, even if five doses of vaccine have been given previously. This is a precautionary measure in case immunoglobulin (if recommended) is not available to the individual in the event of a tetanus-prone injury overseas.

Vaccination schedule

Vaccine	Schedule and age range
The 6-in-1 vaccine DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB	Three doses given one month apart (offered at two, three and four months of age)
The 4-in-1 vaccine dTaP/IPV	Pre-school: single dose (offered at three years and four months or soon after)
The 3-in-1 vaccine Td/IPV	Single dose booster (offered at 14 years of age). Also used for adults and children from six years of age, as a booster dose outside the routine UK schedule, e.g. travellers requiring single dose boosters
Boostrix-IPV dTaP/IPV	Single dose booster (for pregnant women 16 to 32 weeks gestation)*

*Recommended for pregnant women between 16 to 32 weeks to protect unborn child against whooping cough (pertussis).

Prevention

All travellers should be aware of the risk of accidents, thoroughly clean all wounds and seek appropriate medical attention. Further vaccines and / or immunoglobulin treatment may be recommended.