HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

How long can i wait to get a tetanus shot after stepping on a nail? the nail wasn't.clean but wasn't rusted.foot washed.dep cut

A doctor has provided 1 answer

As soon as you can: If you have not had a tetanus shot within the last 5 years, you should go to your doctor and get a booster shot. Nowadays, we give tdap, which also will protect you against whooping cough, which is common in certain parts of the country.

Answered 12/9/2016

5.1k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

My last tetanus shot was in 2010. I punctured my foot on a rusty nail over 48hours. Will i get tetanus and when will it start effecting me :s?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

A member asked:

I stepped on a rusty nail outside tonight, I dont think it broke the skin b/c it didnt bleed at all. The area on my foot that I stepped on the nail is red, and I can see a small mark. Ive had a tetanus shot in the last 10 yrs, is that adequate?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Daughter stepped on nail yesterday top foot is extremely swollen. Had tetanus shot in Apr 2016. Should she go to er or will take care if itself?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

About 48 hours ago I stepped on a rusty nail went went to inches in my foot hip replacement on the same side so I had a tetanus shot 12 years ago do I?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I stepped on an old nail 2 days ago and it punctured my foot now the top of my foot is red and swollen and sore. Idklast tetanus shot. Is it too late?

5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

A friend wants to know if she stepped on a nail and didnt get cut and it didnt go in her foot if she still needs a tetanus shot?
How likely is it for me to get tetanus if I gave myself a minor cut while using a nail clipper that has a bit of rust on it? I got my previous tetanus shot 11 and a half years ago and I rinsed the minor cut with flowing water
I stepped on a rusty nail today. It went in my foot a little bit. Just wondering if I should get it checked out. My tetanus shot is up to date.
If i stepped on a nail today but it didnt puncture my foot do i still have to get a tetanus shot. It did not bleed?
My 3 year old son cut his foot on a rusty nail. Should he get a tetanus injection now?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.