Tetanus Booster Following Trauma

The need for a tetanus booster depends on the type of wound (whether or not it is tetanus prone) and when your child last had a tetanus shot. All puncture wounds and all cuts (breaks in the skin) caused by an unclean object pose a risk of tetanus. Cuts from a clean knife, piece of glass, etc. are not tetanus-prone wounds; neither are minor burns or scrapes because these injuries have good exposure to air. The tetanus bacteria can multiply only if buried in a wound where no air is present.

Call Your Child's Physician Within 24 Hours About:

• Any puncture wound or dirty cut if your child has not had a tetanus booster in the last 5 years.

Call Your Child's Physician During Office Hours About:

• Any wound if your child has not had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years. (All immunized children and adults need a tetanus booster every 10 years).

Getting a tetanus booster is not an emergency.