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Tetanus and Rabiesshot duration
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General Health
Question #10174
104 days ago
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Tetanus and Rabiesshot duration - #10174

Jahangir Hassan

My mom may be 4-5 months back got rabies shot for cat and today she got again cat scratch. She wipe her wound with soap and water. The cut is on finger tip. Does she need tetanus shot for this scratch.

Age: 45
Chronic illnesses: Heart, Thyroid
Cat scratch
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Doctors’ responses

The need for a tetanus shot typically depends not just on the specific injury but also on her vaccination history. If your mom has had a full primary tetanus vaccination series and booster shots as recommended—particularly the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) booster every 10 years—she may not need an additional tetanus shot for a minor scratch. However, if her last tetanus vaccine was more than 5 years ago and the wound is more than a simple scratch, such as if it’s deep or there’s a risk of contamination, then getting a booster would be advisable. It’s good that she washed the wound with soap and water—it helps reduce the risk of infection. Hand wounds, due to frequent use and exposure, can get infected easier, so keep an eye on it. Look for signs like redness, swelling, or pus, and consult a doctor if these occur. Tetanus shots are a precaution for any wound, and with these being routinely given in most healthcare systems, it is wise to check her vaccination records to see when it was last updated. While the rabies vaccination she’s received previously covers her against rabies, particularly if it was a full post-exposure prophylaxis course, it doesn’t cover tetanus. If uncertain, talk to her healthcare provider for a status check on her immunizations and personalized advice tailored to her health history and the specifics of the wound.

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