Doctor in the house? Tetanus

[cptrayes]

My GP surgery is completley unable to tell me whether I need a tetanus jab or not. I last had one at least 20 years ago and of course I am constantly sticking my hands in horses mouths, if not worse

So, do I need a booster???

Thanks!

 

[bonny]

You should have a booster every 10 years so yes you need to get it done.

 

[criso]

Depends on your doctor's policy.

Some (including mine) believe that after a certain amount of boosters you effectively have adequate protection for life. If you were to have an accident you would get a tetanus jab so they don't give them anymore.

The exceptions being certain high risk professions e.g. gardening where you have your hands in the soil alot but as the doctor in my inner london gp practice explained to me "it's not like you get your hands dirty riding a horse". She basically refused to do it. I managed to get a booster in the end under travel jabs as it came recommended for somewhere I was visiting for work.

 

[Tallante]

The last time I asked a GP this question - over 10 years ago - they said "oh, we don't do those anymore".

So I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

 

[Gluttonforpunishment]

The NHS advice now dictates that a series of 5 tetanus shots is required for full protection - 3 of these are usually done during infancy and then at 5 - 10 year intervals.

Your GP can easily check your records to see if you have had these.

Having said that, you will get a booster shot if you were to cut yourself and the wound were contaminated with soil / muck etc.

 

[blitznbobs]

If you've had 5 in your lifetime then you don't need any more, if you haven 't then you need another one.

Bx

 

[fingers_crossed]

blitznbobs is right, 5 in your lifetime and your covered. Otherwise (if you aren't sure) next time you get a cut, go to A&E, tell them you got horse poo in it at the yard/caught it on a horsie fence/got horse saliva in it and they will give you a booster.(Only if your GP refuses now that is) .At the end of the day they would rather you turned up like that to get a booster than turned up in an ambulance with tetanus

 

[cptrayes]

Interesting. Do you think the five jabs rule works for horses too????? Why do we have them done every two years?

 

[Orangehorse]

For some reason horses are particularly susceptible to tetanus (not like cattle who don't seem to get it). Our vet's practice sends round a newsletter and it said that they get several cases every year where the horses weren't vaccinated, from some very minor injuries.