Tetanus Vaccination

How often do you need to go for a tetanus jab? I always thought it was every 10 years but someone recently told me it can be every 20 years if you want.

Thanks

[DeadLast]

It is mostly done every ten years just to be on the safe side. 20 years is pushing it.
Dave

[meubanks09]

I just got back from the doctor today. I had a small piece of metal stuck in my foot ( OUCH) Anyway..The Doc told me Adults SHOULD get a booster ever 10 years. You can wait longer if you wish, and as long as you don't get any kind of cut you should be okay. If you do get a cut, especially with some sort of metal, rusty/dirty object then you definitely want to get the shot if you have not had one in the last 5 years.

I couldn't remember the last time I had one.. So I got one just 2 be safe. :)  I would rather get a jab in th arm, then end up with Tetanus. That would be terrible.

By the way.. It makes your arm REALLY SORE

[swampcritter]

10 years is the recommendation.

Funny, it didn't make Swampy's arm sore at all.

[Vaxpro1]

It is reccomended that you get a tetanus/diptheria booster every ten years unless there is a injury in which case if it has been more than five years you should get one then. If you have not had the new Tdap (Tetanus-diptheria-pertussis) vaccination, you should get it the next time you are due for a booster. It is a one time booster that includes the Pertussis vaccine. After that, you continue to get the regular Td shot.