Tetanus vaccine information
Diphtheria-tetanus booster vaccine
Inactivated vaccine against diphtheria and tetanus. For injection.
Contents of the vaccine:
The vaccine contains toxins from diphtheria and tetanus bacteria in a completely detoxified form (toxoids).
Who should take the vaccine?
Everyone who has been vaccinated against diphtheria and tetanus should be revaccinated, the first time after 4-5 years and then every 10 years.
Adults who have had major wounds or other skin lesions that may pose a risk of infection with tetanus bacteria should be revaccinated with this vaccine if they have not been vaccinated within the past 10 years. See Recommendations for tetanus prophylaxis in wound injuries.
Furthermore, revaccination is recommended in connection with travel abroad if the last vaccination was more than 10 years ago.
This vaccine cannot generally be used for primary vaccination of children under 5 years of age. However, the vaccine can be used for primary vaccination from the age of 5 years if protection against whooping cough and polio is not desired, or in connection with the treatment of a wound in an incompletely vaccinated child and where Tetravac or Pentavac is not available, e.g. in an emergency clinic.
Vaccination dose:
One dose is given in connection with revaccination. If the vaccine is used as a primary vaccination against tetanus for persons aged 5 years and over, a series consisting of several doses is given at different intervals.
The vaccine is given intramuscularly in the upper arm (deltoid muscle).
Who should not be vaccinated?
In the event of an acute illness accompanied by fever, vaccination should be postponed. However, this does not apply if vaccination is used after exposure to infection.
People who have had serious side effects from previous vaccination with the vaccine.
People with severe allergies to one or more of the ingredients.
If in doubt, please consult your doctor.
Most common side effects:
Redness, swelling and tenderness at the injection site, malaise and fever.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
The vaccine should only be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding when clearly indicated, and when the doctor assesses that the possible benefits outweigh the possible risks to the fetus. After wound injury and before travel to areas with an increased risk of diphtheria, there is a clear indication.
Duration of protection:
You are protected against diphtheria and tetanus for at least 10 years after revaccination.
State Serum Institute (2023), https://www.ssi.dk/vaccinationer/vaccineleksikon/d/difteri-tetanusvaccine