Tetanus might not be the first thing on your mind when you get a minor cut or prepare for a holiday, but it’s a condition worth taking seriously. Caused by bacteria that enter the body through broken skin, tetanus can be life-threatening—and often, it’s preventable with the right protection.

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we’re often asked: how long does a tetanus injection last? In this guide, we’ll break it down clearly, showing how immunity changes over time, when boosters are recommended, and why tetanus cover is crucial for travel and injuries.

What Is Tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, commonly found in soil, manure, and rusted metal. Once inside the body through a wound or puncture, it can produce a toxin that affects the nervous system, leading to painful muscle stiffness, lockjaw, breathing difficulty, or even death in severe cases.

The good news is that tetanus is entirely preventable through vaccination—but only if your protection is up to date.

Tetanus Vaccine Timeline: How Long Does It Protect You?

Tetanus vaccination begins in early childhood as part of the NHS routine immunisation schedule. Protection is built over time with a series of injections. Here’s how it works:

Age 0–5: Primary Childhood Vaccinations

Your child receives 5 doses of tetanus-containing vaccine by the age of 5.

This includes:

–> 3 doses in infancy (8, 12 and 16 weeks)

–> 1 booster at 3 years and 4 months

–> Another top-up before school entry

✅ Result: Strong protection built from early childhood.

Age 6–14: Immune Memory Continues

• –> Although no tetanus boosters are typically given during this time, immune memory remains active.

• –> The body is still well protected thanks to the early vaccination schedule.

✅ Result: Moderate to strong immunity, depending on time since last booster.

Age 14–16: Teenage Booster

• –> A final teenage booster is usually offered at school around age 14.

• –> This is the last routine NHS tetanus vaccination unless you have an injury or special travel requirement.

✅ Result: High protection, typically lasting around 10 years after this dose.

Age 25+ and Beyond: Do You Still Have Protection?

Now we come to the important bit—how long does a tetanus injection last after your teenage years?

After your last booster, protection typically lasts for around 10 years.

After that point, your immune response weakens and a top-up booster is recommended if:

–> You sustain a deep or dirty wound (especially from soil, metal or animal bites)

–> You’re travelling to an area where tetanus is more common

–> You’ve never completed the full childhood vaccine schedule

If you’re unsure about your vaccine status, our pharmacy team can help check your history or advise whether a booster is appropriate.

Why You Might Need a Tetanus Booster

1. After an Injury

If you cut yourself on a rusty nail, fall onto concrete, or get bitten by an animal, there’s a chance harmful bacteria have entered the wound. If it’s been more than 10 years since your last tetanus injection—or if you can’t remember—you may need a booster.

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we offer wound assessments and referral to NHS or private boosters where appropriate.

2. Before Travel

Travelling abroad? Some destinations—especially in rural parts of Africa, Asia, or South America—may have limited access to emergency healthcare, making prevention even more important.

For most travel vaccines, we check your full vaccination status. If your last tetanus booster was over 10 years ago, we may recommend another injection as part of your travel health preparation.

Tetanus is often included in the Revaxis vaccine, which also covers diphtheria and polio, required for many travel destinations.

Private Tetanus Boosters at Sudbury Court Pharmacy

If you’re not eligible for an NHS tetanus booster but want peace of mind—whether for travel, injury, or general protection—you can book a private booster with us.

We provide:

• –> Friendly, pharmacist-led consultation

• –> Quick appointment times

• –> Travel vaccination services and documentation

• –> Advice on wound care and prevention

Book an appointment today to get protected.

Stay Protected

So, how long does a tetanus injection last? Around 10 years—but many people aren’t sure when they had their last one. Whether you’re heading abroad, cleaning up the garden, or haven’t thought about it in years, it’s worth checking.

At Sudbury Court Pharmacy, we make it simple to stay protected. If you’re due a booster or have questions, come and speak to our team. We’re here to keep your health on track—at home and abroad.

This blog was written on behalf of Sudbury Court Pharmacy and Travel Clinic by Pharmacy Mentor.