Tetanus Vaccine for Travel available at Worcester Travel Clinic

Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Tetanus Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Tetanus

Tetanus is introduced into the body through a puncture wound such as a laceration, burn or scratch. Tetanus is caused by a toxin produced by bacteria called Clostridium tetani and is present as spores in soil and manure. Tetanus spores are found throughout the world. Vaccination is recommended at least every 10 years.

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Vaccination Pricing

£39 Per dose

Signs & Symptoms

Spasms involving skeletal muscles. Lock-jaw and a stiff neck are common

Abnormal breathing

Lockjaw

Difficulty swallowing

Death occurs in 10-20% of cases

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Claines Pharmacy 153 Ombersley Rd, Worcester, WR3 7BX

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Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Evans Pharmacy 231 Worcester Rd, Malvern, WR14 1SU

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The Vaccination

Ages (Years)	Doses Required	Schedule	Time before travel	Boost required at
6 – 85	1**	–	Up to day before*	See specialist pharmacist

*Vaccine at its most effective when given more time to become active. If given up to the day before travel, some immunity will be provided for your trip.
**Children who have have already been immunised with the NHS childhood vaccination program

What is Cholera?

Tetanus is a rare but potentially life-threatening bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, a bacterium commonly found in soil, dust, and manure. When it enters the body through a wound or break in the skin—particularly deep puncture wounds, burns, or crush injuries—it releases a powerful neurotoxin called tetanospasmin. This toxin affects the nervous system, leading to severe muscle stiffness and painful spasms, particularly in the jaw, neck, and back, which is why tetanus is often referred to as “lockjaw”. If left untreated, the toxin can interfere with breathing and swallowing, and in severe cases, lead to respiratory failure or death. Unlike many infectious diseases, tetanus is not spread from person to person. The risk of infection is present anywhere in the world, especially in areas with poor wound care practices or limited access to vaccination. Due to the nature of the bacteria and its persistence in the environment, complete eradication of tetanus is not possible, making vaccination and proper wound management essential for prevention.

How does it spread and how to prevent it?

Tetanus does not spread from person to person but enters the body through cuts, wounds, or abrasions that become contaminated with Clostridium tetani spores. These spores are extremely resilient and can survive in the environment for long periods. High-risk injuries include those caused by rusty nails, animal bites, barbed wire, gardening tools, and even splinters—particularly when wounds are deep and difficult to clean. Once inside the body, the bacteria multiply and produce a toxin that attacks the nervous system. Prevention is primarily achieved through vaccination. In the UK, the tetanus vaccine is included as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule and is combined with protection against diphtheria, polio, and other diseases in the 6-in-1 and 4-in-1 vaccines. A full course of five doses, given during childhood and adolescence, usually provides long-term protection. For adults who have not been vaccinated, or who sustain a high-risk injury and are unsure of their vaccination status, a booster dose may be recommended. Proper wound care—cleaning cuts thoroughly and seeking medical advice if a wound is particularly dirty or deep—is also crucial in preventing tetanus.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of tetanus usually begin between four and 21 days after the bacteria enter the body, with most cases appearing within 10 days. The hallmark symptom is muscle stiffness and painful spasms, typically starting in the jaw (leading to the term “lockjaw”) and progressing to the neck, shoulders, and back. These muscle spasms can be so severe that they cause fractures or interfere with breathing. Additional symptoms include difficulty swallowing, fever, sweating, irritability, and elevated blood pressure. In some cases, the entire body becomes rigid, and the person may experience sudden, involuntary muscle contractions triggered by minimal stimuli such as light, sound, or touch. Without prompt treatment, tetanus can be fatal due to respiratory muscle paralysis. Neonatal tetanus, which affects newborn babies and is usually contracted through unclean childbirth practices, remains a significant health issue in some parts of the world, although it is extremely rare in the UK due to widespread maternal immunisation and improved hygiene standards.

How long does the vaccine last?

The tetanus vaccine provides long-lasting protection, especially after completion of the full five-dose immunisation course. In the UK, this begins with three primary doses as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine given to infants, followed by two booster doses—one during childhood and another in the teenage years. Once this course is complete, protection generally lasts for at least 20 years, and possibly longer. For most individuals, routine boosters are not needed. However, in the event of a high-risk injury, a healthcare professional may recommend a booster dose if it has been more than 10 years since the last vaccine, or if the individual’s vaccination history is uncertain. In cases of contaminated wounds or injuries sustained in areas with limited access to healthcare, a tetanus booster may be given as a precautionary measure. In emergency settings, tetanus immunoglobulin may also be administered to provide immediate short-term protection in people who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated.

Countries I need the vaccine for

Tetanus is a global concern and is not confined to any one region, as the bacteria exist naturally in soil across the world. Unlike some travel-specific diseases, the risk of tetanus is based on environmental exposure and injury rather than destination. Therefore, the vaccine is recommended for all travellers, regardless of where they are going, particularly if there is a likelihood of engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or construction work. The importance of up-to-date tetanus protection becomes even greater when travelling to countries with limited access to emergency healthcare or reliable wound care. In areas where road traffic accidents, poor sanitation, or open wounds from insect bites or animal scratches are more common, the risk of tetanus infection may be higher. The vaccine is often included in travel health advice, especially for those going to remote or rural areas where injuries may be more difficult to treat quickly and effectively.

Vaccine side effects

The tetanus vaccine is widely used and has a strong safety record. Most side effects are mild and temporary. The most common reactions include soreness, redness, or swelling at the site of the injection, which may last for a day or two. Some individuals may also experience low-grade fever, headache, or a general feeling of tiredness. These side effects are usually short-lived and resolve without treatment. In rare cases, a person may develop more noticeable reactions such as dizziness, nausea, or muscle aches. Serious allergic reactions are extremely uncommon, but as with any vaccine, individuals with a history of severe allergic response to a previous dose or any of the vaccine components should consult a healthcare provider before receiving it. Because the tetanus vaccine is often administered in combination with other vaccines—such as diphtheria and polio—it may be associated with more noticeable side effects when given as part of a multi-antigen formulation, but these remain well within acceptable safety parameters. Overall, the benefits of vaccination in preventing a potentially fatal illness far outweigh any temporary discomfort.