Do tetanus injections in reality last for life ?

[LardLizard]

I know your supposed to get them done every ten years
But a nurse friend told me that they actually last a life time

I was told at minor injuries recently that if you were immunised after late 1960s/early 70s, can’t remember which, then yes they last for ever.

Why does she think they suggest updates if they're unnecessary?

The current evidence suggests that if you have had a full course (3 injections throughout childhood as it is in the UK) then the immunity should last a lifetime
However, bearing in mind that tetanus is a fairly grim illness & easily preventable with a simple injection, most practitioners will choose to offer a booster injection after a tetanus prone injury or before exotic travel

IIRC the 3-jab course in childhood is expected to last into adulthood, and a further 3 jabs 10y appart are expected to last the rest of your life. It is easier, however, to just jab in case of need, than risk the immunity being incomplete.

Last time I went to have travel vaccinations the nurse told me that once you have had more than a certain number of boosters (I can't remember the crucial info of how many) you are immune for life.

According to this the answer is five

www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/do-i-need-a-tetanus-jab-vaccine-after-an-accident-or-injury/

Once you have had x5 doses - of tetanus, diphtheria and polio vaccines - currently administered the first 3 at monthly intervals, followed by one five year booster, then a second 10 years later ( the current childhood imms schedule) this is considered to give lifelong protection. No need for 10 yearly boosters. Boosters are sometimes administered for remote foreign travel. For high risk tetanus prone injuries immunoglobulin is required rather than a vaccine.

Pregnant women who opt to have the Whooping cough vaccine also get another tetanus injection (and diphtheria and polio) as they are all combined in the same vaccine.