Vaccine question number 2: How important is a tetanus booster?

My opinion only: get the tetanus booster because it doesn’t work to get one after you need it. Especially as much as you travel and hike.

You can get a titer, that’s what I do.

In my opinion being tetanus protected is very important.

My titer just started coming down, it’s been over 20 years since my last booster. I’m still protected. My husband and mom both over 20 years and still positive for immunity.

If you have an accident the ER will likely give you a shot. They are supposed to give one if you haven’t had one within 5 years, but if they don’t know your most recent date they might give it to you anyway I’m guessing, if you can’t speak for yourself. We’d have to look up the standard of care.

You can get the tetanus alone shot, or the one with pertussis. Pertussis seems to be floating around quite a bit. Unless you already actually had pertussis (the disease) then you’re likely still immune.

Important.
Was told it lasts for 7 years.
Had a huge sliver of painted wood go into my wrist area and had to have a shot as they didn’t know if the paint had lead in it or not?
It was an old magazine shelf made out of wood and painted. I was cleaning it and the wood splinter went into my wrist when I wiped along the edge ( at work).