To tell H he doesn’t need to go to A and E?

[annie987]

H stepped on a rusty nail late last night while manning our bonfire. It’s not a deep wound but the nail was filthy. His leg ached for a bit but is ok this morning. He can wait to see a GP tomorrow can’t he?

If you have have had a booster and reacted slightly to it that means you have sufficient cover, according to hospital when I last had a booster. I wouldn’t faff around and would just have another shot if needed.

Many years ago, my Grandma's older brother cut himself on a rusty nail and declined medical attention. He died of tetanus. He was only late teens...

Earlier this year I cut myself and there was a risk of dirt in the wound. A&E cleaned it thoroughly, asked lots of questions about my previous tetanus injections, and also warned me about sepsis. I was quizzed again about tetanus a week later when I had the stitches removed.

Definitely make sure he gets it checked out.

Its very rare to get a tetnus booster these days. If you have had all of your vaccinations throughout childhood and school you should be covered. If not a Practice Nurse can provide one upto 72 hours after its happened. If the wound is dirty clean it appropriately and use some antiseptic cream. No requirement for A&E.

I went to a&e after getting a bad foot long friction burn from an inflatable slide (referred there from the minor injuries clinic) - they told me they no longer give tetanus boosters, apparently if you've had two you're covered for life

Accordingly jog to the NHS website quoted above, it’s five vaccinations for full immunity

I expect then it's two in adulthood as there are three doses in the childhood vaccination programme.

That makes sense!

There are 3 vaccinations before a year old. A pre school booster and a school leavers booster. If you've had all 3 in childhood you're covered.