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A member asked:

Does my son need a another tetanus shot if he stepped on a rusty nail he had a tetanus shot last 2 1/2 years ago my son is 6 years old and stepped on a rusty nail.

3 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Probably : Probably he does not need another tetanus shot. The tetanus antibodies usually stay active in the body for up to 10 years after a vaccination. Dr tedde rinker los altos, ca.

Answered 10/3/2016

5.3k views

Thank
Dr. Ira Rubin answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Tetanus good 5 years: He does not need another tetanus. The vaccine is good for 5 years and often is boosted between 6 and 10 years with large dirty wounds.

Dr Dohan agreed

Answered 10/24/2016

4.4k views

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Show 1 more comment

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I stepped on a nail last night. It wasn't rusty. It only went in an inch or two. I cleaned it right after. Could I have tetanus?

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