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Tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccine (Tdap)

Medically reviewed

Last updated: 25 September 2026

The bacterium that causes tetanus is common throughout the world. A person can become infected through an accident, wound or animal bite, for example. Everyone should have valid protection against tetanus. The tetanus vaccine is always given as part of a combination vaccine. The Td vaccine protects against tetanus and diphtheria, while the Tdap vaccine (sometimes also written as dTap) protects against tetanus, diphtheria and whooping cough (pertussis). All three diseases are serious and, despite treatment, can in severe cases lead to death.
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Tetanus vaccination: schedule and validity


The vaccine is included in Finland's national vaccination programme.
  • Children receive primary protection against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis through the child health clinic and receive a Tdap booster at the age of 14–15 through school healthcare.
  • Adults should remember to get vaccinated at the ages of 25, 45 and 65, and then every 10 years. In the national programme, people aged 25 receive the Tdap vaccine, while older adults receive the Td vaccine. A broader Tdap vaccine is recommended for adults of all ages because it protects against all three diseases.
  • In the event of an injury, it is always advisable to check whether your tetanus protection is still valid. A booster dose is recommended if more than 5 years have passed since the previous vaccination.
  • A pertussis vaccine (Tdap) is recommended for all pregnant women between weeks 16 and 32 of pregnancy. The aim is to prevent severe cases of whooping cough in babies.
  • The Tdap vaccine provides protection against whooping cough for approximately five years. If necessary, the vaccine can be given as a booster every five years.
People in certain occupations or with certain hobbies may have an increased risk of injuries and wounds. In these cases, a Td or Tdap booster every 10 years may be considered even before the age of 65. People working in construction, agriculture or forestry, as well as those involved in horse riding or extreme sports, may consider having a booster every 10 years. Travelers may also benefit from receiving a booster every 10 years. This is particularly relevant when traveling in basic or remote conditions, for backpackers and adventure travelers.

Tetanus and injuries


Tetanus is not transmitted from person to person like many other vaccine-preventable diseases. Typical ways of becoming infected include:
  • contaminated wounds (soil, animal feces or saliva)
  • puncture wounds (rose thorns, nails or needles)
  • burns and frostbite
  • open fractures, crush injuries and other accidents

In the event of an injury, it is important to check when you last received a tetanus vaccination. If more than 5 years have passed since the previous vaccination, a booster should be taken immediately. If the risk of infection is high—for example, with a deep and dirty wound, an animal bite, stepping on a rusty nail or a burn—it is advisable to see a doctor to assess whether tetanus immunoglobulin and antibiotic treatment are needed. Good wound care is also important. 

Side effects of the tetanus vaccine


The tetanus vaccine has been used in Finland since the 1950s and is generally well tolerated. Vaccination reactions are usually mild local symptoms, such as pain and redness at the injection site. Vaccination reactions may be slightly more common when vaccinations are given at shorter intervals.

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Who can benefit from the whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine?


The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is suitable for adults and children of all ages from 2 months onwards. Children and 25-year-olds receive protection against whooping cough as part of Finland's national vaccination programme. For others, the vaccine is self-funded. The whooping cough vaccine is always given as part of a combination vaccine:
  • Tdap or Tdap-IPV for teenagers and adults
  • DTaP-IPV-Hib or DTaP-IPV for younger children
A whooping cough booster may be particularly beneficial for:
  • people with lung diseases, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • older adults, whose immune protection weakens with age and who may be more vulnerable to complications
  • adults who want to protect babies in their family
  • pregnant women, as vaccination during pregnancy protects the newborn during the first months of life, before the baby receives their first pertussis vaccination at 3 months of age
  • healthcare and social care workers who work with children under 12 months of age, who should have protection against whooping cough

THL recommends the whooping cough (Tdap) vaccine for pregnant women


The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) recommends the whooping cough vaccine (Tdap) for all pregnant women. The aim is to prevent severe cases of whooping cough in babies. A booster dose is recommended between weeks 16 and 32 of pregnancy, and the vaccine can be given during a routine prenatal clinic visit. The vaccine can also be given later in pregnancy if necessary. The Tdap vaccine provides good protection against whooping cough and related mortality in infants. If a woman has already received the Tdap vaccine during the current pregnancy as the age-based booster recommended at age 25, another vaccination is not necessary. Otherwise, vaccination is recommended for all pregnant women from week 16 onwards, regardless of when they last received a whooping cough vaccine. The whooping cough vaccine is also available from Rokotepalvelu without an appointment.

FAQ

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Why choose Rokotepalvelu?


Rokotepalvelu is one of Finland’s leading private vaccination service providers. We operate in several cities with our vaccination clinics and mobile vaccination buses, making it easy for you to access vaccinations when and where you need them. Our vaccination and travel health specialists help ensure you receive the right protection for your needs. You’re welcome to visit us in the way that suits you best – with or without an appointment.
  • Always qualified healthcare professionals
  • Specialists in vaccinating children and people with needle anxiety
  • We record all vaccinations in Omakanta and send reminders for upcoming vaccinations
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