How long do you have before you step on a nail or something to get a tetanus shot, what if you can't get one for a few hours after the incident ?

Fine: The sooner the better though.

Varies: We encourage the injection within 24-48 hours.Good wound cleaning as soon as possible after the injury helps prevent a wound infection by any germ with or without tetanus spores that may be there. If you've had the primary series and your last booster was within 10 years, the shot is optional but a good decision because you can boost your protection for another decade.

Tetanus: The tetanus irganism is slow growing usually causing symptoms 3 to eight days after exposure and go as long as three weeks without causing problems so you dont have to drop everything to rush out to be immunized.