Tetanus Should I Still Get A Shot

[robblok]

Hi bad luck never comes alone. I got a cut above my ancly that required 4 stitches. When the hospital did this they asked if i wanted a vaccination of tetanus. I said not because i thought my shots were still valid. I just found out they are of 2000 and 10 year valid. So I am out of luck.

Problem is its flooded here and while going to and back from the hospital the wound got wet of course. If i go to the hospital it will get wet again. Do i have to risk this to get the shot or not.

[Sheryl]

Although boosters at 10 year intervals are recommended, most people who completed a full series of the primary vaccination ( 3 injections as a child, which virtually all Westerners have) will have protective titers for more than 10 years.

"Available evidence indicates that complete primary vaccination with tetanus toxoid provides long-lasting protection ≥10 years for most recipients."

http://www.fda.gov/d...s/ucm166873.pdf

And if you received 5 doses or more (the initial series of 3 as a child and then at least 2 boosters), you probably have lifetime protection.

Nonethless, given that tetanus is always fatal and the immunization cheap & easy to do, it is recommended that an additional booster be given after a penetrating injury if there has not been a booster in the past 10 years.

in summary the risk for you (assuming you have had the full series of 3 as a child and then at least 2 booster doses since), is minscule but no one can say it is zero, and the safest thing would be to get a booster.

this can be gotten at any government health center or clinic, there may be one that is closer to go than the hospital.is miniscule but on the other hand

(I have ti admit that if it were myself, I wouldn't bother...but I'm not going to be responsible for advising anyone else to do that!)

[Sheryl]

P.S. The risks of an infection of the wound is ex[posed to flood water is fairly high. Take measures to ensure this does not happen e.g. wrap your leg in plastic etc. And then clean thoroughly afterwards with an antiseptic.

[robblok]

P.S. The risks of an infection of the wound is ex[posed to flood water is fairly high. Take measures to ensure this does not happen e.g. wrap your leg in plastic etc. And then clean thoroughly afterwards with an antiseptic.

Sheryl, i got all 3 and at least 1 booster. So today i went there again. Tried to keep my leg dry and it worked better as the day that i got there. I got 1 shot and have to go back for 2 more. They said cant give me a booster as it is over 10 year.

Anyway it was real hard to keep the leg dry as i had to go through water. Even wrapped in taped in ect you cant wade through water for long. But i kept it dry. Wound is healing nicely no sign of infection. I am taking the antibiotics they gave me. Got plenty of stuff to clean the wound and i dont have to leave the house again.

Gf will take care of everything, the water is dropping here and restaurants are open in the area. So things are not super bad here.