Got A Cut On Leg With A Rusted Metal Object. Should I Get A Tetanus Shot?

Posted on Tue, 19 Feb 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 Answered on

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : I got a minor superficial cut on my leg with a rusted metal object 4 days back.
Should I get a tetanus shot?

Answered by Dr. Gopal Krishna Dash (2 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for the query
You do not need tetanus injection if your tetanus immunization is complete and you have received within 5 years. If not better to get a shot.
Further, even if you feel that would is superficial, get it examined by a physician and if the wound is lacerated/deep, better to be injected.

Hope this helps
Best wishes

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E