Tetanus vaccination.
Is your booster due?

How it works.

  1. Walk in or book ahead - no referral needed

  2. Brief health check with your pharmacist immuniser

  3. Vaccinated on the spot, then a 15-minute observation

Who is it recommended for?

Tetanus is a serious illness caused by bacteria found in soil, dust and manure, which can enter the body through a cut or wound. For adults, tetanus protection is usually given as a combined vaccine that also covers diphtheria and whooping cough (dTpa).

Things to note

  • Adults aged 50 and 65 years should have a booster if they have not had a tetanus vaccine in the last 10 years.
  • Travellers should have a booster if their last dose was more than 10 years ago.
  • People who garden, farm or work with soil or animals should stay up to date.

Free under the NIP for

  • Pregnant women, in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks

A valid Medicare card is needed for free NIP vaccines. Not sure if you qualify? Come in for a quick chat - your pharmacist will check your eligibility on the spot and confirm any costs before proceeding.

Book in minutes.

Choose a tetanus vaccination

Select a diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (dTpa) vaccination in our online booking system. Your pharmacist will confirm your eligibility on the day.

Pick a location and time

Choose Malvern Road or Wattletree Road and pick a time that works for you.

Come in

Arrive at your chosen store. Walk-ins are also welcome - just let our team know at the counter.

Available locations.

Walk in or book a tetanus vaccination at Malvern Road or Wattletree Road.

Meet our vaccinating pharmacists.

Every vaccination is given by a trained pharmacist immuniser who will answer your questions before and after your appointment.

Jenny Heathershaw

Jenny Heathershaw

Proprietor and Pharmacist

Gavin Ho

Gavin Ho

Pharmacist immuniser

Ali Abouelhamd

Ali Abouelhamd

Pharmacist immuniser

Jessy Zhang

Jessy Zhang

Pharmacist immuniser

Thomas Yong

Thomas Yong

Pharmacist immuniser

Tami Rose

Tami Rose

Pharmacist immuniser

Orna Tuckman

Orna Tuckman

Pharmacist immuniser

Questions people actually ask

Do I need a referral?
No. You can walk in or book directly online. Our pharmacist immunisers can give tetanus vaccines without a referral.
What is tetanus?
Tetanus is caused by a toxin made by Clostridium tetani bacteria, which live in soil, dust and animal manure. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, scratches, burns or puncture wounds. The toxin affects the nerves and causes painful muscle spasms, including stiffness of the jaw (lockjaw). Tetanus does not spread from person to person.1
How often do I need a booster?
After the childhood course, adults are recommended to have a booster at 50 years, and again at 65 years, if they have not had one in the last 10 years.1 Your pharmacist can check your vaccination history on the Australian Immunisation Register.
I've just hurt myself. Do I need a tetanus shot?
If the wound is deep, dirty or serious, see a doctor or go to an emergency department, as you may need more than a vaccine. For minor, clean wounds, a booster may be recommended if your last tetanus vaccine was more than 10 years ago.1 If you are unsure, speak with your pharmacist or GP.
Who is eligible for a free tetanus vaccine?

Free tetanus-containing vaccines are available through the National Immunisation Program for:2

  • Pregnant women, in every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks.

Other adults can choose to be vaccinated privately. Costs are confirmed before your appointment.

Why is it combined with diphtheria and whooping cough?
In Australia, tetanus vaccines are given as combination vaccines. The dTpa vaccine also boosts your protection against diphtheria and whooping cough, so one injection covers all three.
Is tetanus common in Australia?
Tetanus is rare in Australia because of high vaccination rates, but it can be fatal. Most cases occur in older adults who were never vaccinated or whose protection has worn off.1
Are there side effects?
Side effects are usually mild and pass within a few days. The most common are soreness, redness or swelling where the injection was given, tiredness, headache and mild fever.1 Your pharmacist will walk you through what to expect before your vaccination.
Can I walk in without booking?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome at Malvern Road and Wattletree Road, subject to pharmacist availability. If you would like to guarantee a time, you can book ahead online in a couple of minutes.
How long does the appointment take?
Most appointments take under 30 minutes. This includes a brief health check with your pharmacist, the vaccination itself, and a required 15-minute observation period in store afterwards. We recommend arriving 5 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.

1 Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Tetanus. Australian Immunisation Handbook. immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au

2 Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. National Immunisation Program schedule. health.gov.au

NIP eligibility is subject to current ATAGI and Department of Health and Aged Care recommendations, which are updated periodically. Speak with your pharmacist to confirm current eligibility and recommended dosing schedule for your circumstances. Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment. A 15-minute observation period is required after vaccination.

Is your booster due?

Walk in or book online at Malvern Road or Wattletree Road.