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FAQ

How can tetanus be prevented?

Page last updated 07 April 2022

Tetanus is a vaccine preventable disease. Tetanus vaccine is provided free to:

  • Infants and children, as part of the National Immunisation Program at 2, 4, 6, 18 months and 4 years of age
     
  • Adolescents as part of the school immunisation program at 12–13 years of age (the age at which you receive the vaccine varies by state and territory)

Tetanus vaccination is not funded, but recommended for:

  • Adults who are 50 years old and above and haven’t had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years
  • Travellers going to areas where health services are difficult to access or [del] high-risk areas where there is a high chance of acquiring a tetanus-prone wound
  • Individuals who received a primary course of 3 doses as adults, at 10 and 20 years after the primary course

Sources & Citations

1. Australian Government, Department of Health. The Australian Immunisation Handbook. Tetanus. Available at: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/vaccine-preventable-diseases/tetanus (accessed 08 March 2022).

6. Australian Government, Department of Health. National Immunisation Program Schedule. Available at: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/immunisation/when-to-get-vaccinated/national-immunisation-program-schedule (accessed 08 March 2022).

 

MAT-AU-2200366  Date of preparation March 2022

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