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May 26, 2012
 

Confusion regarding anti-tetanus vaccine

Dear Ask The Doctor: Dear Doctor, I had a very shallow cut on my finger from a steel cupboard today. It was fairly shallow cut with only slight bleeding. I washed it thoroughly with water. Left it open for half an hour to dry and applied an ointment. I had received two shots of anti-tetanus vaccine in 2010, one being in June 2010, and another in December 2010, after 6 months. Would you recommend a booster dose for the present wound that I described? I am confused because I am from India and some doctors here say that a single tetanus shot (one vaccine) covers you for 6 months, while some say it does so for 5 years. Would appreciate your help on this doctor.

Dear VK: I do understand your concern. You do not need a tetanus booster at the moment. A tetanus booster is usually recommended if the wound is deep or dirty and if the last shot was more than 5 years ago. I hope the information helps, take care.

Last Updated ( Thursday, 26 January 2012 )
 

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