When planning a holiday, most people think about packing, booking flights, and sorting out travel insurance, but one crucial health precaution is often overlooked: vaccinations. While we tend to associate travel vaccines with exotic destinations, tetanus is a risk no matter where you go. Whether you’re heading on a beach holiday, a city break, or an adventure-filled trek, ensuring you and your family are protected against tetanus is a simple but vital step in staying safe abroad.

At Townhead Pharmacy, we help families prepare for their travels by offering vaccination advice and essential first aid recommendations. If you’re wondering how long does a tetanus injection last and whether your loved ones need a booster before travelling, this guide will help you make an informed decision.

What Is Tetanus and How Can You Catch It?

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which is found in soil, dust, and animal faeces. Unlike many infectious diseases, tetanus is not spread from person to person. Instead, it enters the body through cuts, wounds, burns, or punctures—especially those exposed to contaminated environments.

While tetanus is rare in the UK due to routine vaccination, the bacteria remain active in the environment worldwide. This means that even a small, unnoticed scratch can lead to infection, particularly when travelling to rural areas, farms, or countries with limited healthcare access.

Do You Need a Tetanus Booster Before Travelling?

Many people believe that once they’ve had their childhood vaccinations, they are protected for life. However, tetanus immunity does not last forever. The UK’s NHS vaccination schedule includes:

Five doses of the tetanus vaccine – given during childhood as part of routine immunisations.

A tetanus booster every 10 years – recommended for those at higher risk, including frequent travellers and outdoor adventurers.

So, how long does a tetanus injection last? If you’ve had all your childhood doses, your protection lasts for around 10 years. If it has been over a decade since your last tetanus booster, getting a top-up before travelling is strongly advised—especially if you’re visiting a destination where medical care may be harder to access.

Which Destinations Have a Higher Tetanus Risk?

Tetanus can occur anywhere in the world, but certain destinations pose a higher risk, particularly those with poor sanitation, farming regions, or remote areas.

You should consider a tetanus booster if travelling to:

Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam) – high-risk areas for exposure through cuts and wounds.

Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa) – limited access to emergency medical care in rural locations.

South America (Brazil, Peru, Bolivia) – jungle trekking, hiking, and outdoor activities increase exposure.

India and Nepal – high levels of environmental contamination make cuts and wounds a greater risk.

Remote or developing regions – where healthcare may not be readily available if an injury occurs.

If you plan on camping, hiking, or engaging in outdoor sports, the risk of scrapes, falls, and insect bites increases, making tetanus protection even more important.

Is the Tetanus Vaccine Safe for the Whole Family?

Yes! The tetanus vaccine is safe and recommended for all ages. If you’re travelling as a family, it’s worth checking everyone’s vaccination history to ensure they’re protected.

Children – Most children in the UK receive five doses of the tetanus vaccine as part of routine immunisations. However, if your child is travelling to a high-risk area, a booster may be recommended, particularly if it has been more than 10 years since their last dose.

Teenagers & Adults – If you received all your childhood doses, your protection lasts for 10 years. A booster is recommended before travel if your last tetanus injection was more than a decade ago.

Older Adults – Those over 65 may have missed childhood vaccinations if they were born before routine immunisation programmes. If you’re unsure, it’s best to get a booster before travelling.

At Townhead Pharmacy, we offer tetanus boosters for all ages and can advise you on family-wide protection before your trip.

What Should You Do If You Get a Wound While Travelling?

If you sustain a deep cut, puncture wound, or scrape while abroad, especially in a high-risk environment, take immediate action:

1. Clean the wound thoroughly with clean water and antiseptic.

2. Apply a sterile bandage to protect against further contamination.

3. Monitor for signs of infection – redness, swelling, or pus may indicate bacterial growth.

4. Seek medical help if the wound is deep or contaminated with soil, dirt, or animal waste.

5. If you haven’t had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years, a post-exposure tetanus injection may be required.

Carrying a travel first aid kit with antiseptic wipes, plasters, and sterile dressings can help manage minor injuries while abroad.

Is a Tetanus Booster Necessary Before Travel?

While tetanus is preventable, it remains a risk worldwide, particularly in rural and developing regions. Getting a tetanus booster before travelling is a simple and effective way to protect yourself and your loved ones from a serious but preventable infection.

If you’re unsure how long does a tetanus injection last or whether your family needs a booster, contact Townhead Pharmacy. Our expert team will review your vaccination history and ensure you and your family are fully protected before your trip.

Book your tetanus booster today at Townhead Pharmacy and travel with confidence!

This blog was written on behalf of Townhead Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.