TdVax Shortage Update: What Patients Need to Know in 2026

If you've heard about the "TdVax shortage" and are wondering what the current status is in 2026, here's the most important update: this situation goes beyond a shortage. TdVax was permanently discontinued by its manufacturer in early 2024, and all remaining supply was exhausted by June of that year. This is not a temporary supply disruption — TdVax is gone from the market entirely.

TdVax Timeline: How We Got Here

To understand the current situation, it helps to know the full history:

• Prior to 2024: Two Td vaccines were available in the U.S. — TdVax (MassBiologics/Grifols) and Tenivac (Sanofi Pasteur). Both were widely used for routine adult boosters and wound management.
• Early 2024: MassBiologics announced the permanent discontinuation of TdVax production. The company cited declining demand as physicians increasingly switched to Tdap vaccines. The FDA and CDC were notified.
• Spring 2024: The CDC's immunization advisory panel was briefed. Grifols USA told the CDC that remaining TdVax supplies were expected to last only until June 2024. The CDC implemented temporary ordering controls on Tenivac and recommended Tdap as a substitute for most patients.
• June 2024: TdVax supply was exhausted. The vaccine disappeared from pharmacies, clinics, and distributor inventories nationwide.
• Late 2024 into 2025: The cascade effect took hold. With all Td demand shifting to Tenivac, Sanofi struggled to keep pace. Adacel and Boostrix (Tdap vaccines) also experienced elevated demand and intermittent spot shortages as they were used to fill the gap left by Td vaccines.
• 2026 Status: TdVax remains permanently discontinued. Tenivac is the only Td vaccine still produced in the United States, and while the acute supply crisis of 2024 has eased somewhat, regional availability gaps persist. Tdap vaccines are available but may experience localized shortages.

What Does This Mean for My Tetanus Vaccination?

For the vast majority of patients, the discontinuation of TdVax should not compromise your tetanus and diphtheria protection. Here is what you need to know based on your situation:

Routine 10-year boosters: The CDC recommends getting Adacel or Boostrix (Tdap) instead of a Td-only vaccine. Most pharmacies carry at least one of these options. The extra pertussis coverage is considered a benefit, not a risk, for most adults.

Wound management: If you've had a puncture wound, deep cut, burn, or other tetanus-prone injury and haven't been vaccinated within 5 years, you need a tetanus-containing vaccine. An ER or urgent care can typically provide Adacel, Boostrix, or Tenivac — whichever is in stock. Don't delay wound management over vaccine type preference.

Patients who cannot receive pertussis-containing vaccines: If you have a documented contraindication to the pertussis component (such as a history of encephalopathy after a prior pertussis vaccine), you need Tenivac specifically. This may require a more diligent search.

Is There an Official FDA Drug Shortage Listing for TdVax?

The TdVax situation is classified as a permanent discontinuation, not a traditional drug shortage. The FDA's drug shortage database typically lists medications that are temporarily unavailable but expected to return. Because TdVax was permanently discontinued — not just a supply disruption — you may not find it on standard shortage tracking lists. This makes it easy to miss how definitive the situation is.

What About the Tenivac Situation in 2026?

Tenivac remains in production by Sanofi Pasteur, but its supply has been strained since it became the only Td vaccine in the U.S. market. The CDC has maintained ordering controls on Tenivac to manage distribution equitably, prioritizing patients who cannot use Tdap alternatives. While the situation has improved from the immediate post-TdVax-discontinuation period, Tenivac may not be available at your nearest pharmacy on any given day — particularly in high-demand areas.

Practical Steps for Patients Right Now

1. Don't delay your booster over supply anxiety. If Tdap is available and you have no contraindication, get it. Better to be vaccinated with Tdap than to remain unvaccinated waiting for Tenivac.
2. Tell your provider your full vaccine history. They need to know if you've had prior reactions to pertussis-containing vaccines before recommending a substitute.
3. Use medfinder to search for Tenivac, Adacel, or Boostrix at pharmacies near you without calling each one individually.
4. Consider non-retail locations. Doctor's offices, health departments, occupational health clinics, travel medicine clinics, and hospital outpatient pharmacies often have separate vaccine supply not visible at retail chains.

For a full explanation of why TdVax was discontinued, see: Why Is TdVax So Hard to Find? Explained for 2026.