Not Contagious.
Still Deadly Serious.
Tetanus doesn't spread person-to-person — it comes from bacteria in soil and dust entering a wound. A timely booster is the entire difference between a healed cut and a medical emergency.
From Soil to Spasms
Tetanus is caused by a toxin from Clostridium tetani bacteria, commonly found in soil, dust, and manure. It enters the body through wounds — a rusty nail, a deep cut, an animal bite — not through the air or contact with an infected person.
The toxin attacks the nervous system, causing muscle stiffness that typically starts in the jaw (“lockjaw”) and can progress to painful, whole-body spasms and breathing difficulty. It can be fatal — and it's almost entirely preventable with timely vaccination.
Because immunity fades over time, tetanus needs a booster roughly every 10 years — or right away after a high-risk wound if it's been more than 5 years since your last dose.
Enters through wounds
Deep cuts, punctures, rusty metal, animal bites — not spread person-to-person
Starts with jaw stiffness
"Lockjaw" is the classic early sign, before spreading to the rest of the body
10-year booster window
Immunity fades — routine boosters, or sooner after a dirty wound
Protects newborns too
A booster during pregnancy passes protection to the baby against neonatal tetanus
Who Should Get a Tetanus Booster
Anyone with a deep or dirty wound
Rusty metal, soil contact, or animal bites are classic tetanus entry points — vaccinate promptly.
Adults due their 10-year booster
Childhood immunity doesn't last a lifetime — routine adult boosters keep protection current.
Pregnant women
A Td/Tdap booster each pregnancy protects both mother and newborn.
Travelers & outdoor workers
Higher exposure to soil, construction sites, and rural/agricultural settings.
Anyone unsure of their vaccination history
When in doubt, a booster is safe — better than risking a real gap in protection.
Diabetics & those prone to skin injuries
Slower wound healing raises the practical stakes of any untreated cut.
“People often wait until a wound looks bad before thinking about tetanus. The truth is, by the time symptoms start, it's already a medical emergency. A ten-year booster is one of the simplest, cheapest pieces of insurance in medicine — I'd rather see families keep it current than deal with the alternative.”
— Dr. Gagan M.S. Malhotra, Founder & Senior Paediatrician
IAP EB Member · IAP Vaccinology Certified · 23 years in practice
Common Questions
I have a deep cut — do I need a tetanus shot?
If it's been more than 5 years since your last tetanus booster (or you're not sure), yes — deep, dirty, or puncture wounds (rusty metal, soil, animal bites) carry real tetanus risk. It's given as soon as possible after the injury, not delayed.
How often does the tetanus booster need to be repeated?
Every 10 years for routine protection, or sooner after a high-risk wound if your last dose was more than 5 years ago. Pregnant women get a Td/Tdap booster in each pregnancy to also protect the newborn.
What's the difference between Td and Tdap?
Tdap (like Boostrix or Adacel) also protects against pertussis (whooping cough), on top of tetanus and diphtheria. Td (like Teddyvac) covers tetanus and diphtheria only. Your pediatrician can advise which is right for your situation.
Is tetanus contagious?
No — unlike most vaccine-preventable diseases, tetanus doesn't spread person-to-person. It comes from bacteria in soil, dust, and manure entering the body through a wound, which is why timely vaccination after an injury matters so much.
Which brands do you carry?
Boostrix and Adacel (both Tdap) for combined pertussis protection, and Teddyvac (Td) for a straightforward tetanus-diphtheria booster.
Book Your Tetanus Booster at Home
Boostrix, Adacel, or Teddyvac. Certified nurse. Cold-chain verified. Paediatrician consultation included. Delhi NCR.