Tetanus (adults)

[GreatGooglyMoogly]

Can a GP test your blood to see whether your tetanus vaccination is up to date or not? If so, how much would it cost? Or, is it safe to just have a booster without checking (even if you might be up to date)? TIA.

Not sure how much it would cost to check. Is there a reason why you're worried about it? Tetanus is v v v rare(about 8 cases a year in the UK- usually in the elderly) If you have an injury that is a potential tetanus risk(contaminated wound/serious crush injury) you can get the vaccine then if you're worried.

If you know for sure that you had a full course as a child then you don't need a booster unless you're at risk.

I had one last year when my next door neighbour's cat bit me - because I hadn't had a booster in the past 10 years they gave me one. Latest thinking is that you shouldn't have more than 5 in a lifetime I think. Years ago I had horses and they used to say have a booster every 5 years as it's a higher risk group - but the thinking has changed now.

It should be on your medical records anyhow so I would just ask next time you visit gp - then they'll do it free wnyway if you need one.

My mother in law had full blown tetanus about 25 years ago and nearly died - they kept her in a drug induced coma for weeks and weeks. But she'd never had a jab. The infected wound was really tiny - she had trodden on a raspberry cane wearing sandals and one of the little spikes went into her foot

Thanks. I am thinking of volunteering at an animal rescue centre and they require up-to-date tetanus. I'm pretty sure I haven't had any vaccinations since 2000 when I had a few different ones for travelling to SE Asia but I'm not sure what they were. I don't know what vaccinations I had before that either and was living in another country where you can go to any GP practice you like on a given day and records are therefore not good. I guess I should just have one as it's been at least 10 years since the last one. Does it cost much to have it?

I'm pretty sure that if it's 10 years since the last one then it won't cost anything

Brilliant - thanks!

I have been told I should have the TDaP vaccine before visiting my newborn grandson in California. Cannot find any where to get it in Edinburgh.

have been told I should have the TDaP vaccine before visiting my newborn grandson in California. Cannot find any where to get it in Edinburgh.