Dear Doctor: Dirty wound has gardener searching for date of last tetanus shot

DEAR DR. ROACH: I was gardening and stabbed myself in the arm with pruning shears over the weekend. It just occurred to me yesterday that I’m not sure how long it’s been since I got my booster shot for tetanus. So, I checked, and I last had a booster shot nine years ago. Do I need a booster now? — M.M.

ANSWER: For adults who have had the primary series of the tetanus vaccine (three or more doses), a dirty wound (potentially covered with spores from garden soil) would be cause for recommendation in people who have not had a tetanus vaccine within the past five years.

You should get the vaccine as soon as possible but can still get it up to 21 days later. People who have had less than three tetanus vaccines or whose immunization status is uncertain should receive tetanus immune globulin and a tetanus vaccine after any wound that is not clean and minor.

Although cleaning the wound is critical, it does not replace the need for specific tetanus treatment.