Immunization Controversy Archives

tetanus vaccination

I have read the bulletin board area on vaccinations and tetnus. I punctured the sole of my foot on a rusty nail 4 days ago on a beach in Mexico and was nowhere near any facility to get a tetnus booster. I have no idea when my last one was (whether it was 10 years or more). I do know that as a child we got boosters quite often and I never had a reaction to the vaccine. Should I go ahead and get a shot within a week as your messages indicate may be sufficient, or will this make any difference?

Follow Ups:

• Re: tetanus vaccination (Timing----archive.) Walt Stoll 09:39:26 4/04/01 (0)

In Reply to: tetnus vaccination posted by Amy on April 02, 2001 at 01:33:09:

Hi, Amy.

The physician on the spot should make that determination. Actually, most research says that a sufficient protective response can happen 17 years after the last booster. The 10 year limit was chosen for a buffer.

My suggestion would be to get professional advice soon. At the very worst, you may need immune serum and, since it is now available from human sources, the allergic reactions of the past are lessened.

Walt