What is the schedule for active immunization (tetanus shots)?
All children should be immunized against tetanus by receiving a series of five DTaP vaccinations which generally are started at 2 months of age and completed at approximately 5 years of age. Booster vaccination is recommended at 11 years of age with Tdap. Follow-up booster vaccination is recommended every 10 years thereafter. While a 10-year period of protection exists after the basic childhood series is completed, should a potentially contaminated wound occur, an “early” booster may be given in selected cases and the 10 years “clock” reset.
