Ask a doctor on the topic of General medicine

Question for Dr. med. Ralf Berg

August 20, 2012 | 15,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Michael Schröter

Hello Mr. Berg,

I have already asked the same question here before and it was kindly answered, but I would really like to hear your opinion again because I have read something on this topic that you have answered. It is about Tetanus.
I was immunized as a child, then I got a booster 9 years later, and 10 years later I went to the doctor again and got another booster. Now it has been 10 years again. I would prefer not to vaccinate my body again in order not to further burden it, but of course I also do not want to act negligently. You once wrote that according to the latest findings, a basic immunization plus a booster should last a lifetime? Is that really the case? Because then I could save the next booster, maybe the body still has enough antibodies? I am a very anxious person by nature. For example, I got a blister on my heel and now I accidentally touched it on a bush? I hope I don't have to worry about that?
Unfortunately, when you google too much, you find terrible things, like the fact that the pathogen is already present in the street dust?
I would be very happy if you could give me an individual answer.
Best regards

Dr. med. Michael Schröter

Hello,

Dr. Berg has not been online for a while. In order to inform you as soon as possible about your question, I am allowed to answer your question.

The recommendation issued by the Robert Koch Institute states: Refresh every 10 years. According to medical knowledge, this interval must be strictly adhered to.
In the great outdoors, the tetanus pathogen can naturally occur anywhere. However, an infection is unlikely with small scratches.
The classic example is stepping on a rusty nail.

To be optimally protected even with small injuries, a booster shot every 10 years is recommended.

I hope that I was able to help you as well and remain

Sincerely,

Dr. Schröter