Do I need a tetanus injection?

[Merryoldgoat]

I have scratched my finger on a rusty nail and it’s bleeding.

It’s very shallow - a genuine scratch rather than a wound.

I cannot remember when I last had one.

Ring your GP surgery and ask them.

I'd say yes, you probably do need one, but ask the experts.

Bollocks.

Ok. I’ll call them in the morning.

Thanks.

I was told that if you had all the usual tetanus boosters as a child then you're covered for life.

Hmmm. Absolutely no guarantee of that. My mum was a bit vaccine-sceptic.

What's your "AIBU"?

There isn’t one obviously. I was getting some ambiguous answers online and wanted to ask here for some common sense replies.

Thanks for being the thread police though, we couldn’t cope without you.

If you've cut it enough for blood to be drawn, its technically a wound as you've punctured the skin deep enough. I used to work in A&E. Generally we've give people a booster if they hadn't had one within the last 10yrs. Obviously clean the wound, put pressure on to stop the bleeding and speak to your GP tomorrow.

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachmentdata/file/849460/Tetanussquickguideeposter.pdf

Looks like you should probably get one if you're not sure of your vaccination history. Good chance to discuss getting up to date with your vaccines inc MMR

Thank you @elouera

That’s a really definitive answer. I’ll call the GP first thing.

@OnceBitten25

Thank you.

I’ve actually had pretty much every childhood illness going, certainly Measles, Mumps (twice) and Rubella along with Scarlet Fever and whooping cough. Had the polio vaccine though.

I had the same problem earlier this year - well I stepped on a nail poking out of a plank in the garden.

GP said they would need to check, they then called me in for an injection but only because they had no records of me having my final booster - they were very much of the opinion that had I had that booster then I wouldn’t need a tetanus shot.

So call them in the morning and they’ll confirm for you.

Five in a lifetime from birth usually covers you. But if there's any uncertainty you can be given one and it won't do any harm. You can't over vaccinate.

If it was just a scratch I wouldn't think you'd need one. If it was a deeper wound where dirt can get into it then i would seek help

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

If you can't remember, you probably need one. I think they only last 10 years.

I think tetanus are only good for 10 years too...

A course of 5 gives protection for life usually

Advice seems to differ between countries though