Tetanus toxoid injections guard against the harmful bacterial infection that Clostridium tetani causes. Tetanus bacteria are present in soil, dust, and manure and enter the body through a deep or polluted wound or cut.

In addition to childhood immunization, adults who need booster doses to maintain immunity, especially after a wound that puts them at risk, should get tetanus toxoid vaccines.

Tetanus toxoid vaccines have greatly reduced tetanus worldwide and are vital to vaccine-preventable disease programs.