Get your Tetanus Vaccine from Cheltenham 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
£39 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

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

Abnormal breathing

Difficulty swallowing

Death occurs in 10-20% of cases

James Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 522 880

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

19 St Georges Road, Cheltenham GL50 3DT

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Wymans Brook Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01242 221 988

Email: cheltenhamtravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Unit 1, Windyridge Rd, Cheltenham GL50 4RA

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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 Tetanus?

Tetanus, sometimes referred to as “lockjaw”, is a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by a toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This bacterium is commonly found in soil, dust, and animal faeces. It enters the body through cuts or puncture wounds and produces a powerful toxin that affects the nervous system. Unlike most vaccine-preventable diseases, tetanus is not spread from person to person; it is acquired from the environment.

How does it spread and how to prevent it?

Tetanus bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin, often via contaminated wounds, cuts, burns, or punctures—particularly those caused by rusty nails or dirty objects. Once inside, the bacteria release a neurotoxin that causes muscle stiffness and spasms. Prevention is entirely through vaccination. The tetanus vaccine is given in combination with diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) in the UK as the Tdap or Td/IPV vaccine. Routine boosters are recommended every 10 years, especially for travellers or those likely to experience injury in environments where medical help may be delayed.

What are the symptoms?

Tetanus symptoms usually appear between 4 and 21 days after infection. Early signs include stiffness in the jaw and neck, difficulty swallowing, and muscle spasms. As the disease progresses, it can cause severe muscle rigidity, painful convulsions, breathing difficulty, and even death. Without treatment, tetanus has a high mortality rate.

How long does the vaccine last?

Following a full primary course of vaccinations in childhood, the tetanus vaccine provides long-term protection. However, booster doses are recommended every 10 years for adults, especially if travelling to high-risk areas or after sustaining an injury. In emergency settings, a booster may be given if the wound is dirty or high-risk and the last tetanus shot was more than five years ago.

Countries I need the vaccine for

Tetanus vaccination is advised for travel worldwide, especially when visiting rural areas or locations where medical care may be limited. It is not specific to any one country but is essential as a general safety measure when travelling.

Vaccine Side effects

Mild side effects may include swelling or soreness at the injection site, tiredness, fever, or muscle aches. More serious side effects are rare but may include allergic reactions. The vaccine is considered extremely safe and the benefits far outweigh the risks.