Tetanus vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
Tetanus vaccination: In the event of an injury, the tetanus vaccination protects against the spread of the pathogen or the toxin in the nerve tracts and thus against costly treatment. In the worst case scenario, tetanus can lead to respiratory arrest and thus have fatal consequences.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
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In countries with a modern vaccination system, e.g. Austria, there are only a few cases of tetanus. Nevertheless, the mortality rate is 20 to 30 percent.
For basic immunization against tetanus in infants, a combination vaccine (6-fold vaccination) is generally used.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is a Disease caused by tetanus bacteria. These are omnipresent in the environment and can lead to muscle cramps and even respiratory arrest.
In countries such as Austria, which have a modern vaccination system, there are only few cases of tetanus. Nevertheless, around 20 to 30 percent of people suffering from tetanus. The National Vaccination Committee therefore recommends vaccination for all people.
Transmission of the bacterium
Transmission of the bacterium Clostridium tetani can already be caused by Minor injuries e.g. through thorns or splinters of wood. It multiplies in the wound and can release poison, which travels along the nerve pathways into the brain and spinal cord.
This often leads to a blockage at the nerve junctions - the trigger for tetanus. Spores are found in Dust, on wood, in soil and also in excrement from livestock such as cattle, sheep and horses. Transmission from person to person is not possible.
Symptoms of tetanus disease
The first symptoms of the disease appear around 4 to 14 days after infection on.
These include:
General tiredness
Shivering or sweating
Headache
Pulling on the wound
Indicated rigidity
This is followed by Muscle stiffness, especially in the neck and chewing muscles, which can lead to difficulty swallowing and speaking. As the disease progresses, the whole body becomes rigid and the nervous system is affected.
This is likely to cause complaints such as blood pressure fluctuations, circulatory disorders and circulatory problems. It can even lead to Spasms of the respiratory muscles which, in the worst case, can lead to respiratory arrest and is therefore life-threatening.
For treatment, sufferers receive antibodies against tetanus - obtained from the blood of vaccinated people - antibiotics and medication to alleviate the symptoms mentioned. However, vaccination is even more effective.
What are the benefits of vaccination against tetanus?
The tetanus pathogens are omnipresent in the environment. Therefore the National vaccination committee the tetanus vaccination for all people. Because a complete vaccination not only protects against the disease, but also prevents costly treatment in the event of an injury.
Immunization is mandatory for children and adolescents up to the age of 15 in the free vaccination program included. Recommended is a Basic immunization with three vaccinations.
6-fold vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus & co.
The Basic immunization is often carried out as a 6-fold vaccination. In addition to tetanus, this also protects against the following diseases:
Diphtheria
Haemophilus influenzae
Polio
Vaccination procedure against tetanus (lockjaw)
Both the basic immunization - three times as a 6-fold vaccination - and the booster vaccinations are included in the free childhood vaccination programme in Austria.
The procedure is as follows:
1st vaccination at the age of 3 months
2nd vaccination at the age of 5 months
3. vaccination at the age of 11 to 12 months
For the Booster vaccinations A 4-fold vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough and polio is used in children and adolescents. The first booster is given at the age of 6 - preferably before starting school.
The second refresher usually follows after five years, but no later than before the age of 15. So even before the end of compulsory school age.
Tetanus vaccination for adults
For adults, the National Vaccination Committee recommends booster vaccinations every five years. A Combination vaccine as a 3-fold vaccination (Boostrix), which is used against diphtheria, tetanus and Whooping cough works.
The National Vaccination Committee recommends the use of the quadruple vaccine (diphtheria-tetanus-polio-pertussis), if the triple vaccine against diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis is not available.
If it has been more than 20 years since the last booster vaccination, vaccination protection should be checked by means of a blood test after re-vaccination. If lack of basic immunization a second vaccination should be administered at intervals of four to eight weeks. This is followed by a third vaccination 6 to 12 months later.
Vaccination recommendation for infants and pregnant women
As a rule, tetanus is very unlikely to affect newborn babies in Europe - at least if the mother has been vaccinated herself. Because then their antibodies also protect the baby.
If there is no basic immunization, vaccination during pregnancy is recommended - between the 27th and 36th week of pregnancy.
Frequently asked questions and answers
When should my baby be vaccinated against tetanus?
The vaccination schedule of the National Vaccination Committee recommends the first vaccination at the age of 3 months, the second at 5 months and the third between 11 and 12 months. This provides basic immunization against tetanus.
How often does my child need to be vaccinated against tetanus?
To achieve basic immunization against tetanus, an infant needs three vaccinations before the end of the first year of life. This is followed by two booster vaccinations to prevent further infection in the event of injury: one at the age of 6 and one before the age of 15.
Is the tetanus vaccination part of the free childhood vaccination program in Austria?
Yes, the 6 vaccinations against tetanus and other infectious diseases and the two booster vaccinations up to the age of 15 are included in the free child vaccination program for Austria included.
Which vaccination includes tetanus in Austria?
The tetanus vaccination is usually given as a 6-fold vaccination administered. This is a combination of several vaccines. In addition to tetanus, this immunization is also effective against the following diseases: Diphtheria, hepatitis B, whooping cough, Haemophilus influenzae and polio.
What happens if you don't have a tetanus vaccination?
As the pathogens are omnipresent - e.g. in dirt, garden soil and street dust - immunization is strongly recommended for all people. Accordingly, the Catch up on basic immunization. It takes place in three stages or appointments. This should be followed by a booster vaccination every 5 years.
Do you still have tetanus protection after 5 years?
In order to maintain vaccination protection, a Booster vaccination every five years recommended. If more than 10 years have passed since the last booster vaccination, the status of immunization after the new booster is checked first. In the absence of basic immunization, two further vaccinations are necessary: one after 4 to 8 weeks and the next 6 to 12 months later.