When should I have a tetanusshot after being at risk?

Tetanus is caused by a germ that gets into your body through a wound, such as a cut while gardening, or an animal bite. You are more at risk of developing tetanus if the wound is deep or if it gets dirty with soil or manure, but even small wounds such as a prick from a thorn can allow enough bacteria to get into your body to cause tetanus.

A full course of tetanus immunization consists of five doses of vaccine.

If you have a serious wound or a wound that is particularly dirty, then you are at risk from tetanus and you should visit the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately. Your doctor will ask if you have had all five doses of tetanus vaccine. If you have not had all five doses, then they will usually give you an injection of vaccine.

Whether or not you have had all five doses of vaccine, your doctor will assess your wound and may decide that you need an injection of tetanus antiserum. Tetanus antiserum contains antibodies that can give you additional protection against tetanus bacteria, but it is not a vaccine.

If you have cut or burnt yourself, or been bitten, but your wound is not serious or particularly dirty, you should check whether you have had the full five doses of tetanus vaccine. If you have not had all five doses, you could be at risk from tetanus. You should visit your doctor for an injection of vaccine. Tetanus can develop within two days of you receiving a wound, so if you do need an injection of vaccine it is important that you visit your doctor as soon as possible, preferably within two days of receiving your wound.

If you have had all five doses of tetanus vaccine and your wound is not serious or particularly dirty, you are not at risk of tetanus and so do not need an additional injection of tetanus vaccine.