Tetanus?

17th September 2005, 7:07am

Gah

Finn was bitten by a dog last night, nothing too major, but blood was drawn from his face. Dawned on me late last night that really, he might need a tetanus, but he had his DPT&P jab last week, which would have a tetanus jab within it.

Anyone got any links to anything that might be able to tell me whether he'll still need another? I don't want to phone NHS24 at the moment because we've moved house - if he needs it, I'd rather just take him to the hospital.

Quiz Bhoy · 17th September 2005, 7:32am

Forget about links to anything Vonnie! Phone the Hospital and speak to someone, they will advise you straight away what needs to be done.

Hope Finn's OK!

Foxglove · 17th September 2005, 7:36am

NHS Direct have always been good when I have called them - 0845 46 47

Hope Finn is OK.

17th September 2005, 7:42am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quiz Bhoy

Forget about links to anything Vonnie! Phone the Hospital and speak to someone, they will advise you straight away what needs to be done.

Hope Finn's OK!

He's fine - as soon as I say "dog bite" everyone panics, but really it wasn't as serious as it could have been, and it's literally a scratch where blood's been drawn, it's not like his face has been mauled off

Foxglove · 17th September 2005, 7:46am

Poor Finn. Must have been really frightening for him and you. I am not sure if the NHS line needs an address - but you could always give your old one if they do? Is your GPsurgery open on a Saturday?

Quiz Bhoy · 17th September 2005, 7:49am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vonnie

He's fine - as soon as I say "dog bite" everyone panics, but really it wasn't as serious as it could have been, and it's literally a scratch where blood's been drawn, it's not like his face has been mauled off

When you say dog bite what do you expect?

Gie the Hospital a call and they will advie you tho'.

Warped · 17th September 2005, 7:52am

hehe you said anus.

*LesMTS* · 17th September 2005, 8:51am

You have to have a tetanus shot every ten years regardless but if you are in an accident involving mud/bitten by some kind of beast and it's been more than FIVE years since your last innoculation then you need to get a booster injection.

Foxglove · 17th September 2005, 8:52am

Quote:

Originally Posted by LesMTS

You have to have a tetanus shot every ten years regardless but if you are in an accident involving mud/bitten by some kind of beast and it's been more than FIVE years since your last innoculation then you need to get a booster injection.

True true

Finn is only a toddler though - about 2 or so I think.

*LesMTS* · 17th September 2005, 9:00am

Perhaps little kids have to get them more frequently, best thing to do is speak to a professional. I hate getting tetanus shots. They hurt.

cupotea · 17th September 2005, 9:42am

I had to have a tetanus jab on monday there cos I stood on a rusty nail. The nurse told me that as I had had all my primary tetanus boosters when a toddler and in school, i only needed it cos I was literally on the ten year threshhold from my last one. As Finn hasn't had his primary school jabs I don't know if he'll need one or not, so like everyone else I would take him to the docs just to get it checked out.

My best mate got bitten by a dog and had to have a tetanus jab as well, just a few weeks ago. is it something in the air? Hope the wee man's ok.

Foxglove · 17th September 2005, 9:48am

I went for holiday jabs last year and my tetanus booster was due but was told that as long as you have your initial jabs as a kiddie the current thinking (well, this is what the nurse told me) is that you then only get a jab if you need one due to a cut or something similar.

Finn is too little to have had his shots though.

Vonnie - were you able to get hold of the hospital or your GP?

Tommy · 17th September 2005, 9:49am

Jab in the bott ahoy! Hope the wee guy's ok.

cupotea · 17th September 2005, 11:53am

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tommy

Jab in the bott ahoy! Hope the wee guy's ok.

you get it in your arm. i was terrified about mine until the nurse 'right eileen, just roll your sleeve up for me'. didn't hurt either, but thats cos I'm hard as nails.

bikuki · 17th September 2005, 12:22pm

I'd say that it's VERY unlikely he would require another tetanus jab, especially since he got his DPT+P so recently. When my mum cut her leg a while ago I forced her to go to the hospital for her tetanus jab, and the nurse said that everyone born after about 1982 is fully covered for life with regards to tetanus if they had their initial jab, and even if they were born before that the jab will fully protect them for 10 years. I found that strange, as we had learned that the jab only prtects you for 10 years, then you get a booster, and then only a protective jab if you may have been exposed.
In all, if a kid has had his jab, he will be protected for up to 10 years no problems, and no booster after perhaps being exposed will do anything to change this status, as it's the exact same thing they'll give him again...

If you're worried, though, head down to the hospital and ask

Btw, really sorry if this has already been said - I didn't have time to read the whole thread.