Tetanus is an important consideration for all skin wounds. Those who have not had 3 tetanus boosters in the past need a tetanus booster. Also, those who have not received a tetanus booster in the past 10 years need a tetanus booster.

Those who have dirty abrasions need a tetanus booster if they have not received a booster in the past 5 years. Abrasions that are considered to be dirty include:

• Wounds that occur outdoors
• Wounds that contain dirt or foreign material

Tetanus Wound Management:

	Clean, Minor Wounds		All Other Wounds
History / Vaccine	Td	TIG	Td	TIG
Unknown or <3 doses	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
3+ doses	No*	No	No**	No

(*) Yes, if greater than 10 years since last dose
(**) Yes, if greater than 5 years since last dose
(Td) Tetanus booster
(TIG) Tetanus Immune Globulin

If a person has had 3 tetanus vaccines in the past, he or she can wait to receive a tetanus booster for up to 72 hours after the wound occurred.