Immunization Controversy Archives

tetnus shot

i got cut (not a deep wound but enough to bleed good)by our rake when cleaning the yard behind our dogs. It will be 10 years since my last tetnus in sept. Do i need to get a booster? Also the last time i had a tetnus i had a reaction to it and it turned very red and swollen. It looked like one giant hive and the dr had me coming in every couple hours to measure it till it stopped swelling at about a 5 in in diameter circle. would this probably happen again and if so is there anything i can take to help prevent it? Like benadryl? I believe they said it could be im allergic to eggs. I have no idea. What is the time fram e to get the shot in?

Follow Ups:

• Re: tetnus shot LT [1203.163] 13:54:06 3/01/05 (0)
• Re: tetanus shot Walt Stoll [93.1465] 07:51:46 3/01/05 (2)
  • Re: tetanus shot tammy [6.242] 08:10:29 3/01/05 (1)
    • Re: tetanus shot (How to avoid a reaction.) Archive. Walt Stoll [93.1465] 08:25:35 3/02/05 (0)

In Reply to: tetnus shot posted by Tammy [6.242] on February 28, 2005 at 08:54:04:

Tammy,

You have to find out if the last tetanus shot was hyperimmune serum (the most likely cause of reactions and has only temporary protection) or tetanus toxoid (the booster that confers at least 17 years of protection and has few reactions)--after 10 years this one would still be protective. In either case the reaction is more likely this time. The only consideration is whether you actually need the protection.

Walt

Follow Ups:

• Re: tetanus shot tammy [6.242] 08:10:29 3/01/05 (1)
  • Re: tetanus shot (How to avoid a reaction.) Archive. Walt Stoll [93.1465] 08:25:35 3/02/05 (0)

In Reply to: Re: tetanus shot posted by Walt Stoll [93.1465] on March 01, 2005 at 07:51:46:

i was told it was a booster and would last ten years when i had the last one in Sept 1995. How would i know if i actually needed one. the cut is not swollen there is rednessaround it but nothing major.

Follow Ups:

• Re: tetanus shot (How to avoid a reaction.) Archive. Walt Stoll [93.1465] 08:25:35 3/02/05 (0)

In Reply to: tetnus shot posted by Tammy [6.242] on February 28, 2005 at 08:54:04:

I wouldn't get revaccinated with a shot that I previously had a reaction to...

In Reply to: Re: tetanus shot posted by tammy [6.242] on March 01, 2005 at 08:10:29:

Thanks, Tammy.

You do not need one now. If you want to keep up your immunity you might consider getting a booster in a year or so. You CAN get an antibody titer that will tell you whether you actually need a booster. This is a blood test that has NO risk of reaction but is more expensive than a booster. A repeat booster (or titer) is necessary every 10-15 years.

Walt