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I had a tetanus shot last year. I had a minor mishap. Do I need another tetanus shot now?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a tetanus shot last year around June. I had another minor mishap on the road with a small injury (cleaned with antiseptic). Do I need another tetanus shot now?
Answered by Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy is a dedicated General Practitioner and an expertise in mater of public health committed to compassionate, individualized care. He excels at accurate clinical diagnosis, preventive health strategies, and effective management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. He prioritizes clear communication and trust‑based patient relationships, ensuring continuity of care across diverse populations. 

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The last year's dose is not going to give you any protection now.

If any one of the following has happened during the injury, you will need tetanus followup:

  1. Injury due to any rusted metallic object.
  2. Abrasion due to contact with the ground or the road.
  3. Contact with any kind of mud during the time of occurrence of injury.

I advise you to take the tetanus injection (tetanus toxoid vaccine) as soon as possible.

Even though the application of antiseptic negates the chances of acquiring an infection to a large extent, it is better to have the shot for safety purpose.

You should ideally take tetanus injection within 24 hours, as it will not have any protective effect when taken beyond that period.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At July 29, 2014
Reviewed At June 20, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy is a dedicated General Practitioner and an expertise in mater of public health committed to compassionate, individualized care. He excels at accurate clinical diagnosis, preventive health strategies, and effective management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. He prioritizes clear communication and trust‑based patient relationships, ensuring continuity of care across diverse populations. 

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy
Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy

General Practitioner

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy is a dedicated General Practitioner and an expertise in mater of public health committed to compassionate, individualized care. He excels at accurate clinical diagnosis, preventive health strategies, and effective management of chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. He prioritizes clear communication and trust‑based patient relationships, ensuring continuity of care across diverse populations. 

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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