How Often Should You Get a Tetanus Shot?

[DiznEeyore]

I thought it was every ten years ....

Ds stepped on a nail this a.m. (we're putting on an addition and he broke the "don't go in the backyard without your work boots" rule). It broke the skin and he bled, but it wasn't deep at all. I cleaned it thoroughly (antibacterial soap/scrubbed it with hydrogen peroxide 'til he screamed/bacitracin & a bandaid) and it seems to be fine, but of course it still hurts....

He had his last tetanus shot 7 years ago and I'm wondering if we should be taking him in for one. Dh says it's not necessary; it'll be fine. But I'm a mom, I worry ....

Any advice?

 

[wdwmom2]

The policy in the office that I work at is it is good for 10 years if nothing happens. If something happens in the 1st five years it is still good. If something happens in the 2nd five years you need a booster.

ETA... but I would still call your doc.

 

[DiznEeyore]

Thanks Sharon!

 

[delilah]

Under the circumstances of the injury described, I would order a booster (I am a doctor).