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Original poster

Tetanus jab?

13 replies

Jillcrewespony · 15/07/2018 21:14

I was wearing open toed sandals today whilst walking in some woods, and tripped. I have a tiny cut on my big toe that's turned into a blood blister - just wondering, because I am an anxious type, should I get a tetanus jab? I know I haven't had one for years, so definitely out of date.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 15/07/2018 21:32

If you've had 5 jabs in total you are covered for life as far as I know

snozzlemaid · 15/07/2018 21:38

Yeah, as pp said as long as you had all the usual childhood tetanus jabs you're covered for life.

Original poster
Jillcrewespony · 15/07/2018 21:41

I think I did. I last had a booster age 22 (am now in 40s)

OP posts:
shewolfmum · 15/07/2018 22:30

Did it bleed? Make it bleed if not! No point having tetanus shot after the event it won't work.

Original poster
Jillcrewespony · 15/07/2018 22:38

No it didn't bleed. I thought you could get a booster within 48 hours of an injury? Might check with pharmacist tomorrow.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 15/07/2018 22:41

It would have to be a deep and dirty cut before you would need a booster jab. Doesn't sound like it was from your description. Clean it and stick a bit of antiseptic cream on it

Original poster
Jillcrewespony · 15/07/2018 22:46

Thanks Pixie. I think I am overreacting. It wasn't deep or dirty, more of a scrape. Just got freaked out when the blood blister appeared.

OP posts:
DancingLedge · 15/07/2018 22:48

The typical tetanus injury is treading on a nail- a piercing injury which then closes up. Meaning the tetanus bacteria get" injected" into tissue, where they don't get as much air as an open or superficial wound would. Because they thrive in lower oxygen conditions.
Tiny cut? Blood blister? Had full set of boosters? I really wouldn't worry.
But take advice tomorrow if it would set your mind at rest.
And, fwiw, if there was an injury where a tetanus injection was indicated, the next day would work fine.

Original poster
Jillcrewespony · 15/07/2018 22:51

Thanks Dancing.

OP posts:
pastabest · 15/07/2018 22:51

If you had jabs for whooping cough with any children since around 2012 then it includes tetanus.

Ridingthegravytrain · 15/07/2018 22:56

Can anyone explain the rationale behind having a booster after the event?

When travelling etc you always have to be up to date a certain amount of time before you leave with relevant jabs in order for them to be effective. I’ve always wondered how a jab could be effective once you have tetanus in your system

snozzlemaid · 16/07/2018 12:07

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tetanus/

Original poster
Jillcrewespony · 16/07/2018 15:46

Thanks, Snozzle. Really helpful link. I am pretty certain I have had all the boosters, and injury is tiny, so I think it's fine.

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