Cuts, bites, and puncture wounds are often shrugged off as minor accidents, especially if the injury doesn’t seem serious. But if there’s one thing we always stress at Vivo Pharmacy, it’s this: any break in the skin could expose you to tetanus, a potentially life-threatening infection. Knowing when to get a tetanus jab after an injury is critical—and even more so if you’re not sure when your last booster was.

Here, we’ll explain when a tetanus booster is needed after injury, what to do in an emergency, and why it’s important to check your vaccine status before travelling abroad.

What Is Tetanus?

Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which lives in soil, dust, and animal faeces. When the bacteria enter the body through a wound or bite, they produce a powerful toxin that attacks the nervous system. This can cause muscle stiffness, painful spasms, breathing difficulties, and even death if left untreated.

Unlike most contagious diseases, tetanus cannot be spread from person to person. It usually enters the body through:

• –> Deep puncture wounds (e.g. stepping on a nail)

• –> Animal bites

• –> Burns

• –> Cuts exposed to soil or manure

• –> Wounds with dead or decaying tissue

The good news is that tetanus is entirely preventable with vaccination—but only if you’re properly covered.

How Long Does a Tetanus Injection Last?

In the UK, the NHS childhood immunisation schedule includes five doses of the tetanus vaccine, usually completed by the age of 14. This provides long-term protection, but it doesn’t last forever.

So, how long does a tetanus injection last?

Most people will have 10 years’ protection after their last booster. After that, the immunity starts to wane, and you may need another dose if:

• –> You haven’t had a booster in the last 10 years

• –> You suffer a high-risk wound (even if you’ve had five doses in your life)

• –> You’re travelling to a country with limited access to emergency care

When Should You Get a Tetanus Booster After Injury?

If you’ve had a recent injury—especially a deep or dirty wound—and you’re unsure of your vaccination history, don’t wait for symptoms to appear. The tetanus bacteria can take as little as three to twenty-one days to cause symptoms, and by then it may be too late to prevent serious complications.

You should get a tetanus booster if:

• –> You’ve had a high-risk injury (puncture, burn, bite, or soil-contaminated wound)

• –> Your last tetanus jab was more than 10 years ago

• –> You can’t remember when your last dose was

• –> You’ve never had the full five-dose series

At Vivo Pharmacy, we can provide same-day tetanus boosters, giving you fast access to emergency protection when you need it most.

What If I’m Travelling Abroad?

Heading off on a trekking holiday? Volunteering in a rural community? Backpacking through Southeast Asia?

If you’re planning travel to countries where healthcare may be limited, expensive, or difficult to access, it’s essential to get your vaccinations up to date before you go. That includes tetanus. A small injury sustained in a remote area could become a medical emergency if you’re not vaccinated.

We recommend booking a travel health consultation at least 6–8 weeks before departure. As part of your pre-travel check-up, we’ll assess your tetanus cover and offer a booster if needed—along with any other vaccines required for your destination.

Remember, it’s always better to have protection in place before an injury occurs, rather than rely on post-exposure treatment in a country where tetanus immunoglobulin may not be readily available.

How Is the Tetanus Vaccine Given?

The tetanus booster is a quick injection, usually given in the upper arm. It’s often combined with diphtheria and polio protection in a 3-in-1 vaccine. The jab is safe, effective, and well tolerated by most people.

Common side effects include mild redness or soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or tiredness—all of which resolve quickly.

What To Do After a Tetanus-Prone Injury

If you’ve had a high-risk wound, follow these steps:

1. Clean the wound immediately with soap and water.

2. Apply an antiseptic and cover it with a sterile dressing.

3. Seek medical advice if it’s a deep, dirty, or animal-related wound.

4. If unsure of your tetanus vaccination status, book a booster as soon as possible.

At Vivo Pharmacy, we’re equipped to assess your risk, check your vaccine history, and administer a booster without delay. Contact us today for the travel protection you need.

Be Proactive About Your Health

Tetanus is rare in the UK thanks to our vaccination programme—but it hasn’t been eradicated. Cases still occur, particularly among those who haven’t kept their boosters up to date.

If you’re wondering how long does a tetanus injection last, or if you need one after an injury, we’re here to help. And if you’re preparing for a trip abroad, now is the perfect time to check your protection status.

Book your appointment at Vivo Pharmacy today and make sure you’re covered—at home and away.

This blog was written on behalf of Vivo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.