Tetanus Vaccination Administration Guidelines
Age-Specific Recommendations
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that infants and children through age 2 years receive tetanus-containing vaccines in the anterolateral aspect of the thigh 1, 2, 3, 4
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children aged ≥3 years receive tetanus-containing vaccines in the deltoid muscle 1, 2, 3, 4
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adolescents and adults receive a 0.5 mL dose of Tdap, administered intramuscularly, preferably into the deltoid muscle 1, 2, 5
Specific Vaccine Formulations and Administration Sites
- The dose of DTaP for children <7 years is 0.5 mL, administered intramuscularly 1, 3
- The preferred site for DTaP administration in infants and children through age 2 years is the anterolateral aspect of the thigh 1, 3
- The preferred site for DTaP administration in children aged ≥3 years is the deltoid muscle 1, 3
- The dose of Tdap for adolescents and adults is 0.5 mL, administered intramuscularly 2, 5
- The preferred site for Tdap administration is the deltoid muscle 2, 5
Clinical Considerations
- When administering multiple vaccines during the same visit, each vaccine should be administered using a separate syringe at a different anatomic site 5
- Some experts recommend administering no more than two injections per muscle, separated by at least one inch 5
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential for syncope after vaccination, especially among adolescents and young adults, and should take appropriate measures to prevent potential injuries 1, 5
- Providers should strongly consider observing patients for 15 minutes after they are vaccinated 1, 3
Potential Pitfalls to Avoid
- Attention to proper vaccination technique, including use of an appropriate needle length and standard routes of administration, might minimize the risk for adverse events 5