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Hi. I Had The TDap Booster For Tetanus 3 Months

Posted on Mon, 3 Dec 2018

Question: Hi. I had the TDap booster for tetanus 3 months ago. 8 days ago, I was playing with my dog and he nipped my face. I had a small puncture wound under my chin and my lip had a big gash on it. I cleaned both wounds and kept antiseptic on them each day. Everything has since healed, but I did not go to the emergency room to get a booster shot. How likely is it that I have tetanus? I had a minor facial spasm this morning, my heart seems to be pounding and I feel shaky. Am I overreacting?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unlikely to be tetanus...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

You mentioned TDap was a booster. It meant you have been vaccinated earlier for tetanus. In such case the last booster dose will be effective and prevent any risks of tetanus infection.
The facial spasm therefore is not likely due to tetanus. May be its due to stressors. Do not be worried.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need clarifications.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Prasad J (1 hour later)

Thank for the reassurance. How sure are you? How effective is the Tdap booster given 3 months ago? I am wondering if I should make an appointment with my PCP and if getting another booster at this point would be helpful or if it's too late. I have had no other symptoms then the ones described above. I hope I am just psyching myself out. I appreciate your help!

Answered by Dr. Dr. Prasad J (21 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Tdap booster are effective...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Immunity grows with repeated (booster) vaccines. Tdap boosters are provided every 5-10 years and each booster doses provide immunity from infection (tetanus) for about 10 years. Therefore I am confident that you will be fine.

You need a second shot of tetanus if the last vaccine was the first Tdap shot.

Hope I am clear. Let me know if you need any other information.

Regards

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad