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My last tetanus shot was 20 years ago. Should I get one 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 will be traveling abroad in two and a half weeks for a 10-day visit. It has suddenly dawned on me that my last tetanus shot was 20 years ago.Online I have read I should have had a booster but four to six weeks before the trip. Should I get one or am I good for now? I am a cancer survivor since 16 years. Not sure that matters.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand all your concerns.

Tetanus toxoid (TT) has a great role in preventing serious tetanus infection which could occur anywhere and anytime. Moreover, the TT is a weak toxoid with little adverse effects on our bodies. A booster dose is required for all the population every ten years.

There is no contraindication in case you are a cancer survivor.

I recommend that you take the vaccine as soon as possible before you travel. It is a 0.5 ml injection intramuscular.

For further advice, please do not hesitate to follow up.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At February 20, 2018
Reviewed AtMay 6, 2025

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