Hello Doctor, I Have A Question Regarding Tetanus . I

Posted on Sat, 22 Jun 2019

Question: Hello Doctor,

I have a question regarding Tetanus. I was trying to fix my exercise cycle today but while fixing I got a very minor cut of around 1.5 mm. The cycle area from which I got the cut was having Rust and dust on it. I am little concerned if I should go for Tetanus vaccination. I had DTAP (Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis) vaccination around 2 years back while my wife was pregnant.
Request for your advice if I need to go for Tetanus vaccination. As of now, I cleaned the area with water and applied Neosporin.

Thanks & Regards,
Ashish XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You should have secondary prevention measures done.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to 1"Ask a Doctor " service.

I have read your query and here is my advice.

Since you were vaccinated with DTAP 2 years ago, you are okay with the measures of primary prevention of tetanus.

Secondary prevention measures include correct microsurgical treatment of the wound and application of single dose of the tetanus toxoid (Td in your case ).

Discuss with your Doctor for these issues.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (4 hours later)

Hello Doctor,

Thanks for the advice.
Just wanted to check if the secondary measure has to be taken within 24 hours? Asking so as its already 10 hours since it happened and all the nearby clinics are closed for the weekend except emergency hospitals. Also, I attached the picture of the cut for your reference to confirm if this is big enough to go for the secondary measure.

Thanks & Regards,
Ashish XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Minor injury. Secondary measures may be postponed.

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

Secondary measures may be effective up to 48 hours after the injury.

However, since you uploaded a photo of the injury, I think that secondary measures may not be necessary.

Hope I helped you.

Feel free to discuss with me if you have further questions.

Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T