Independent cost reference. Not a pharmacy, not an insurance carrier, not a clinic finder, not a medical practice. For an injury that may require a tetanus shot, contact a healthcare provider promptly.

Last verified: April 2026
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State detail / North Carolina

Tetanus shot cost in North Carolina: 2026 pricing, free-shot programmes, and insurance coverage

Tetanus pricing at major pharmacy chains in North Carolina follows the national pattern: cash $48 to $95 for Tdap depending on the chain, $0 with most ACA-compliant insurance in-network. The North Carolina-specific differences are in the state vaccine-for-adults programme and the state Medicaid coverage.
Cost data verified: April 2026

North Carolina state vaccine-for-adults programme

North Carolina runs the NC 317 Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program, accessed through the state Department of Health.[1] The programme is funded through CDC Section 317 grants and serves uninsured and underinsured adults aged 19 and above.[2] Eligibility typically does not include an income test; the criterion is insurance status. State residency is usually required.

State-specific programme detail

NC DPH runs the 317 VFA programme for uninsured and underinsured adults; the programme supplies Tdap and Td to participating local health departments and FQHCs at no cost to qualifying patients.

North Carolina Medicaid coverage

North Carolina Medicaid expanded December 1, 2023; adult vaccine coverage applies under both the IRA expansion and the new state Medicaid expansion.[4]

Children under 19 in North Carolina have access to ACIP-recommended vaccines (including DTaP and Tdap) through the Vaccines for Children programme, regardless of state Medicaid status, if VFC-eligible (uninsured, Medicaid-enrolled, AI/AN, or underinsured at FQHC/RHC).[5]

FQHCs and county health departments in North Carolina

North Carolina has federally qualified health centres in most metro areas and many rural counties. The HRSA Find a Health Center tool locates participating centres by ZIP code.[3] Most North Carolina FQHCs participate in Section 317 and offer Tdap and Td free or at sliding-scale fee for the uninsured.

Pharmacy chain footprint in North Carolina

Strong pharmacy chain density in Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Greensboro. Harris Teeter (Kroger banner) and Food Lion (Ahold Delhaize) administer Tdap.

Pricing recap

National pharmacy pricing does not vary by state. For the cash range and per-chain detail, see the national pharmacy comparison. For insurance coverage applicable in North Carolina, see the insurance overview. For free pathway options through Section 317 and FQHCs in North Carolina, see /free-tetanus-shot.

Adjacent reading

Primary sources

References cited on this page

  1. [1]NC 317 Vaccines for Adults (VFA) Program. North Carolina Department of Health. Accessed April 2026. https://immunization.dph.ncdhhs.gov/providers/317-VFA.htm
  2. [2]Section 317 Immunization Program. CDC. Accessed April 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/funding/awardee-list.html
  3. [3]Find a Health Center (HRSA). HRSA Health Center Program. Accessed April 2026. https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
  4. [4]Medicaid Inflation Reduction Act adult vaccine coverage. CMS / Medicaid.gov. October 2023. https://www.medicaid.gov/medicaid/benefits/preventive-services/index.html
  5. [5]Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. CDC. Accessed April 2026. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/vfc/index.html