Do I need to keep up on tetanus shots? I am a very clumsy person. I am always in a hurry and I know that adds?

Question

to the clumsiness. I have stepped on nails.. always cutting my hand on something or other.
Then about a month ago, I cut my hand on the chain saw. I had to go to the hosp and get stiches. Luckliy I'd had a tetnus shot a few years ago. But what I want to know is, when the next shot is due (the last was 2001) and when the time is up - should I get one BEFORE I do something or wait unitl I cut myself - again! And if I do wait, will the last shot still be effective if Icut myself - AGAIN!

I'd love to slow down but I somehow don't think that will happen for another 30 yrs! I am 49 now and on meds for anxiety and ADHD.

Answer 1

The current guidelines for tetanus shots are 10 years. However, if you do fall and cut yourself and it is after the 7th year of the shot they will revaccinate you.
Yes, you should get another shot before you get cut, or do something clumsy, because tetanus is a serious disease, and it is extremely and utterly painful for the patients that end up with the disease.
If you want an easy way to remember to get your shot, go every year that ends with 0. So 2000 is close enough to 2001, then 2010, 2020, etc.
That way you can kinda remember that you have 0 more years to get another shot, and you are due for one.
Of course if you cut yourself after the 7 year mark, get checked out for sure and see if you need another shot.
Seems like a pain, but it is worth it to prevent one of the meanest little buggies in our environment.

Answer 2

Tetanus shots last for 10 years. You are NEVER too old to get one. Anyone one can cut themselves or step on a nail. The risk is ALWAYS there. Other meds have nothing to do with it. I just had a tetanus shot because it's been 10 years for me. I cannot count the times I got cut in the past 10 years. I may not be taking the same meds as you are but I am taking some that can easily be affected.

Answer 3

Tetanus shots have a life span of 10 years, so if you received your last on in 2001, then you are okay until 2011.

It is a good idea to update your vaccinations even into adulthood. Most people stop having regular vaccinations when they reach 16, but that does not mean that illnesses that are ususally found in childhood do not affect adults. In Canada last year there were quite a number of pertussis(whooping cough) cases in adults, but few in children. And having pertussis in adulthood, as with most childhood diseases are more difficult and dangerous.

As for your clumsiness, unfortunately, there isn't a vaccination for that, if there were, I would have my husband in the front of the line.

Good Luck and I hope this helps.

Answer 4

I've heard it said that if a person has EVER had a tetanus shot they don't need another, but I seriously doubt that.

Tetanus comes from barn yard animals. When I worked abound horses I used to get a tetanus shot every year, just to be safe but I could have gone at least 10 years between shots according to my doctor at the time.

Basically, if it's a clean wound and you don't stick your hand in droppings from an animal, you probably have already had enough tetanus shots for a while... but go by what your doctor says, just to be safe.

Answer 5

If your in work that has hazards like you do , get a tetnus shot.
Some are free at clinics, etc.
You can also get tetnus from digging in the dirt, I didnt know that....
http://www.aetnapharmacy.com/AP/ihtAP/r.WSIHW000/st.9339/t.29844.html

Answer 6

youre suppose to get one every 5 yrs for saftey

Answer 7

it is recomended that you get one every 10 years.. ask your dr.