How long does a tetanus shot protect you from tetanus?

According to the National Network for Immunization Information, the tetanus immunization protects recipients for 10 years, though children need multiple doses to be fully immunized. Infants on the traditional American immunization schedule receive a dose of the tetanus vaccine in conjunction with diptheria and pertussis five times by age 4.

The National Network for Immunization Information reports that children need a booster of tetanus between ages 11 and 12 and that boosters are necessary every 10 years after that. The tetanus vaccine is available with both diptheria and pertussis, with just diptheria or as an individual vaccine. All versions are nearly 100 percent effective against tetanus.