How Long After An Injury Can One Get A Tetanus Shot?

Posted on Tue, 9 Aug 2016

Question: Today I was at my cabin in the woods when a bat flew out of nowhere and started flapping in my face. It scratched my face a little bit, and I got some fluids on my face. Not a lot (it didn't bite me), but maybe the amount that could fit on a quarter. I immediately went inside and washed it off with soap and water. I put soap on and rinsed three times. What should I do?

Answered by Dr. Ralf Von Seckendorff (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Tetanus protection update required 10 years

Detailed Answer:
Dear patient,

if you rinsed the scratch, keep it clean then no further measures are necessary, just observing if it heals necessary. Please check if you had a tetanus shot within the last 10 years.

Since it wasnt a bite rabies is not a problem, best regards

best regards

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar