Was I wrong to refuse 3 in 1 vaccine when all I needed was a tetanus? (Dog bite)

[JustLetMeBe]

Went to A&E after being bitten by a dog in the park today. Was told I needed a tetanus shot (haven't had one in over 10 years) and was offered a 3 in 1 which vaccinated against polio, diphtheria and tetanus. I refused saying the other two are not necessary and besides, vaccines in general make me feel bloody ill.
I've decided to see my GP tomorrow hoping he will have the single tetanus but meanwhile I'm wondering if I was being a bit dramatic and should have stayed put in A&E.. I'm also wondering how much time I have before I get the shot from time of getting bitten?

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Dogs don't carry tetanus and very rarely contract it ( we don't vaccinate them for tetanus). You are at much greater risk of another bacteria infection than tetanus.
Though if you do need another tetanus jab I think you will find the GP's only carry the three in one. I have high risk job a fairly regular have tetanus jabs I haven't been able to have a single for over 16 years.

[mousmous]

read up on the symptoms. but the risk is small.
risk is mainly with rust and dirt/earth/mud getting into a wound.

unfortunately there is no single tetanus vaccine.

[JustLetMeBe]

I'm dithering not to bother getting vaccinated full stop. I was quite surprised to learn I would need a shot after a nip from the dog even though it managed to puncture and bruise my skin (no blood). The doctor glanced and said the bite is an open wound but I don't see how .

[Lonecatwithkitten]

If the skin is punctured it is an open wound.

[goodasitgets]

I had the tetanus shot at my GP and they told me it comes with the others and not as a single now

[arabellarubberplant]

You won't find a single one for love nor money these days.

I'm theoretically allergic to the tetanus vaccine (or rather the carrier agent) and about ten years ago they gave up trying to order single vaccines for me, as everything comes together.

I stabbed myself a couple of times climbing through barbed wire (being chased by coyotes, as you do) and even then they were unable to source a single vaccine tetanus within the three day window. They advised I crossed my fingers.

So, you either get them all (I think it's 5in1 here, now) or nothing.

[GobblersKnob]

If you have had five jabs (you should have if you have had normal childhood vaccinations) then you have lifelong immunity, the ten year booster doesn't apply anymore.

[Lonecatwithkitten]

Gobblers that is not quite true certain high risk situations you still have 10 year boosters - I still do have them as my risk factors are high.
Your local vets probably know how likely you are to get tetanus as they still see cases and tend to know where the hot spots are - I do in my area.

[Sirzy]

I am allergic to the tetanus vaccine and have been told that it desent not matter as they no longer give it every 10 years as long as you have had 3 doses it covers you for life.

[JustLetMeBe]

Thanks to you all for the replies. Good news - the GP looked at the bite and said a tetanus or antibiotics wouldn't be necessary. So glad I got a second opinion. The doctor at A&E barely glanced at it but the GP today had the magnifying glass out giving me a good seeing over
arabellarubberplant, you're right with regards to hunting out a single vaccine for tetanus - I called around so many of the private London clinics which actually promote single vaccines but they too had only the 3-1 for tetanus.
Right, now that's over I intend for the owner to pay compensation for my ripped coat. Bloody fuming.

[GobblersKnob]

Sorry Lonecat, wasn't aware of that, my gp told me the above last year.

[MissPlumBroughtALadder]

There is no single tetanus vaccine (as you've discovered).
Glad your GP wad more knowledgeable than hospital staff - tetanus is an anaerobic microbe which can only flourish on deep wounds with no exposure to oxygen.