owainm
07-08-22, 16:38
Hi Im looking for some advice please about the risk of getting tetanus. I suffer from bad HA (surprise surpise) anyway last week I cut my thumb on a mug that broke when I took it out the dishwasher. It bleed pretty heavily for a few mins and while I was washing it out under the tap, however as soon as I put a plaster on it the bleeding was contained. The cut was only 1.5cm long and must have been shallow as it has healed completetly in 5 days. I phoned NHS 24 who said it sounded ok but I was to phone my GP the next day to check what they thought and if I would or would not need a tetanus booster.
I phoned the surgery and they said it sounded ok but were not sure of my vaccination status so they checked up on it. I also phoned my Mum to check if she had any records luckily she did. I am 51 and it turns out I had my 3 initial doses in 1971 as per the schedule at that time. I then had a further boosters after accidents at age 12 and 31 then an additional bosster 10 years ago at my GP's surgery so thats a total of six in my lifetime.
Now this is where I need the advice if possible I was told by my practice nurse that as I had had 6 in my lifetime I was fully protected and did not require another booster ever again. However I am confused as on the NHS site and other sites Ive read they say the five doses that give lifetime immunity are to be given at 8.12 and 16 weeks then a bosster at 3 years and 4 months old. With the final booster given around age 15. This differs from when I have recieved my doses. Im just wondering if anyone has any input on this as Im just confused. My practice nurse insited that you are fully covered with 5 doses at any point in life (i.e. the 3 primary doses and then 2 boosters at any point) but I can't find any info online that says that. Even my GP that I spoke to again on Friday was unsure and said she would speak to the practice nurse next week to double check and get back to me.
The other thing that keeps confusing me is why if 5 doses are considered enough for life in the UK. then why do all the US sites and online info from the US state that you absolutely MUST have tetanus boosters every 10 years or even 5? I don't see how there can be such a difference of opinion it's does not help the anxious mind at all.
Any relevant explaintions and info would be much appreciated thanks Owain
I phoned the surgery and they said it sounded ok but were not sure of my vaccination status so they checked up on it. I also phoned my Mum to check if she had any records luckily she did. I am 51 and it turns out I had my 3 initial doses in 1971 as per the schedule at that time. I then had a further boosters after accidents at age 12 and 31 then an additional bosster 10 years ago at my GP's surgery so thats a total of six in my lifetime.
Now this is where I need the advice if possible I was told by my practice nurse that as I had had 6 in my lifetime I was fully protected and did not require another booster ever again. However I am confused as on the NHS site and other sites Ive read they say the five doses that give lifetime immunity are to be given at 8.12 and 16 weeks then a bosster at 3 years and 4 months old. With the final booster given around age 15. This differs from when I have recieved my doses. Im just wondering if anyone has any input on this as Im just confused. My practice nurse insited that you are fully covered with 5 doses at any point in life (i.e. the 3 primary doses and then 2 boosters at any point) but I can't find any info online that says that. Even my GP that I spoke to again on Friday was unsure and said she would speak to the practice nurse next week to double check and get back to me.
The other thing that keeps confusing me is why if 5 doses are considered enough for life in the UK. then why do all the US sites and online info from the US state that you absolutely MUST have tetanus boosters every 10 years or even 5? I don't see how there can be such a difference of opinion it's does not help the anxious mind at all.
Any relevant explaintions and info would be much appreciated thanks Owain