I fell on a sidewalk & scraped my knee, tearing my pant. after 1 hour, i washed it with soap/water, applied polysporin (bacitracin and polymyxin) & a bandage. can i get tetanus?

Tetanus: Not likely, but as a precaution make sure sure your tetanus immunization is up to date. You need one every ten years.

Yes, but...: The chance is very, very low. Tetanus spores live in soil, so a superficial scrape from a sidewalk is extremely unlikely to be a source. Also, superficial scrapes are less likely to develop tetanus as opposed to puncture wounds that go deeper into the skin and tissues. That all being said, you should still get your tetanus vaccine every 10 years, and there are other vaccines for adults as well.

Maybe,maybe not: Any wound that opens the skin can allow tetanus spores access to create an infection. A rusty nail is a classic exposure but any wound can do it.If you had a booster within 10 years ; cleaned up the wound after receiving it, you are likely immune and safe.If you can't remember receiving a booster within the past 10 years it is a good idea to get one.