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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Booster Of Tetanus Shot Needed For Being Scratched By Old Wire Fence Causing Blood In Spots?

Hi, my 7 yr old son was sratched by an old barb wire fence today. The scratch is 7-8 long and is mostly superficial . However,it Is deep enough to draw blood in spots. He has had the tetnus shot with his childhood immunizations. Does he need a booster of the tetnus shot and if so does it need to be done today or will it be ok to Waite and take him to his pediatrician tomorrow?
Thu, 27 Feb 2014
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,
I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

As he had the regular vaccination in child hood, this booster vaccination is not needed.
But for safety purpose we used to give tetanus toxoid for all the persons with external injury. Because immunity to tetanus decreases over time, older children need to get the booster dose.

Further for your information, Adults need to get a booster shot every 10 years to stay protected since immunity to tetanus decreases over time. For adults who haven't gotten Tdap yet, the easiest thing to do is to get Tdap instead of their next regular tetanus (Td) booster. The dose of Tdap can be given earlier than the 10-year mark, so it's a good idea for adults to talk to a doctor about what's best for their specific situation.

Thus immunize now itself and follow the schedule regularly.

Hope this helps.
Please write back for further queries.
Wishing you good health.
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Is Booster Of Tetanus Shot Needed For Being Scratched By Old Wire Fence Causing Blood In Spots?

Hello, I have gone through your query and understand your concern. As he had the regular vaccination in child hood, this booster vaccination is not needed. But for safety purpose we used to give tetanus toxoid for all the persons with external injury. Because immunity to tetanus decreases over time, older children need to get the booster dose. Further for your information, Adults need to get a booster shot every 10 years to stay protected since immunity to tetanus decreases over time. For adults who haven t gotten Tdap yet, the easiest thing to do is to get Tdap instead of their next regular tetanus (Td) booster. The dose of Tdap can be given earlier than the 10-year mark, so it s a good idea for adults to talk to a doctor about what s best for their specific situation. Thus immunize now itself and follow the schedule regularly. Hope this helps. Please write back for further queries. Wishing you good health.