Is A Repeated Tetanus Shot Necessary For A Mild Injury?

Posted on Sun, 23 Mar 2014

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

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 Answered on

Tue, 8 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Today i fell onbthe road some scatchea here and there with little blood i have been vaccinated in july last year and was vaccinated in 2010 also do i need to get my self tetnus vaccinated today or just clean the areas and move on with it

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: You can clean the area and move on Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. The immunity from a tetanus shot lasts for upto 10 years. Since you got the shot last year and your injuries are mild, you can just apply antiseptic cream and move on. There is no need to worry. Hope it helps. Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (3 minutes later)

Mild is subjective there was blood but i have cleaned it with soap So i take ya words and move on but is ut harmfull if u get vaccinated frequently thanks

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer: It is not harmful Detailed Answer: Hi again It is not harmful if you get vaccinated repeatedly. But the vaccine is not needed. Though you may watch for signs of bacterial infection like pus formation in wound or increasing pain or redness. In such a case you will need oral antibiotics. Hope it helps. Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vaishalee Punj (1 hour later)

Thanks inam trusting u ans not getting vaccinated

Answered by Dr. Vaishalee Punj (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer: You will be ok Detailed Answer: Do not worry. You will not get tetanus as you are vaccinated. Take care Dr Vaishalee

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar