Would you get a Tetanus booster because of this?

If it were me, yes. Better safe than sorry. When was the last one you got?

If you have had one in the last 10 years, I think you are covered. If you aren’t sure, go ahead and get one.
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Yes. Go get one unless its been less than 5 years since your last one. I believe it has to be within 72 hours of the injury.

Yes. I would definitely get one. It’s a relatively simple thing to prevent a whole heap of trouble.

Yup. If you haven’t had one within 5 years.

last one was 20 years, I just went to the chemist and she told me you are covered for 20 years now, so I don’t need one by the sounds of it?

Nope. You’re not covered. You need a tetanus shot.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/tetanus/who-vacc.htm#symp

My Dr is from the I’d rather be safe than sorry school. I like that. I pay enough for insurance.

Right, thanks for this info, I will go see my Dr on Monday.

I guess I worry about the side effect of the shot, and given it was a tiny tiny puncture I thought I might be safe.

Welcome to fluther. The CDC says 10 years. That’s good enough for me.

I was told that tetanus needs to be deeply introduced into the body, such as a deep puncture wound. A pinprick doesn’t do it.

@snowberry I was researching this and it’s any open wound. Deep wounds are more of a concern but not the only way to get it.. I thought the same thing until I looked it up. What’s happened to our immune systems?

I’d say the question might be “What’s going on with medicine’s agenda?” But your question is valid too.

Same thought. Is it the vaccine manufacturing companies pushing the doctors to use more of the stuff?

There is no conspiracy regarding manufacturing companies pushing doctors to vaccinate people. Recommending a vaccine after someone cut them self on a rusty nail after 5 years may be overkill, but I’ve seen tetanus once in my career and I NEVER want to see it again. Ever. Tetanus is horrible and easily preventable. If it means an extra shot to be extra sure, then get the damn shot.

People’s antibodies to specific antigens decrease over time. The 10 year recommendation is an estimate based upon average antibody clearance but there may be those who clear them faster. Hence the recommendation.

@snowberry is correct in that it generally takes a deep puncture wound to get tetanus, but do you really want to take that chance? Really?

NIckname for tetanus used to be “lockjaw,” for a very good reason.

Exhibit APainting_by_Sir_Charles_Bell_1809.jpg

One of the few vaccines I’ll get. It’s important.

What happens to people allergic to shots?

I had to get a tetanus shot when I got bit by a mouse.
I was trying to save the damn thing because my cat was trying to kill it. The damn thing latched onto my thumb and wouldn’t let go.
I called the Dr, terrified that I was going to get rabies. The nurse, through her hysterical laughter, said no, mice don’t carry rabies. But she said that I did need to get a tetanus shot within 72 hours.
She also said that rabbits carry rabies, my cats were also fond of torturing those, so I should probably refrain from a rescue and let nature take its course. Who knew? lol

My sister was bitten by a mouse and had to go through the rabies vaccination. It was painful. Pretty sure all mammals can contract rabies @Katniss.

Nah no shot just keep an eye on it.

Until it’s too late @KNOWITALL? We’re not talking about a regular, minor infection that can be headed off at the pass….It’s tetnus

In the country you get your shots then don’t go unless it’s your yearly or you feel bad. I’m sure she’s had one.

@knowitall She said her last one was 20 years ago. I think she should get another one.

I’m going to Dr tomorrow to ask him, he said it doesn’t sound like it’s a risk as it was so small and I washed it really well, but will go see him anyway.

Apparently it’s quite rare.

It’s too late for the tetnus shot to help with this incident, but get one now for any future mishaps.