In travelers who have completed their primary tetanus vaccination, what is the recommended booster interval?

• A. Every 5 years
• B. Every 10 years
• C. Every 15 years
• D. Every 20 years

Answer: (B)

Maintaining protective tetanus immunity requires a booster every 10 years after completing the primary vaccination series. The tetanus toxoid vaccine stimulates antibody production, but these antibody levels decline over time, so a decade between boosters keeps protection in place. After the initial primary series in childhood, adults should receive a Tdap once (if not given as an adult) and then Td boosters every 10 years. This interval applies to travelers as well; travel does not change the timing. Shorter intervals (every 5 years) are not needed for routine boosting, while longer gaps (every 15 or 20 years) leave immunity less reliable. In certain wound situations, a booster may be given sooner if the last dose was more than 5 years ago for a dirty wound, but the standard routine interval remains 10 years.