Ask the Surgery - Your Medical Questions Answered

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Welcome to the Ask The Surgery website. This is a free website for visitors who have health related questions they would like answered by staff at NHS GP surgeries, in England. Read more about the Ask the Surgery website

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Immunisation questions

I was given a tetanus vaccine recently because I received an injury whilst doing gardening and it needed stitches. Why did I need to have a tetanus vaccine? (Male, East Dulwich)[Click to show/hide answer]
Most people are not aware that Tetanus is actually a rare disease caused by bacteria known as Clostridium tetani. The bacteria affects the function of the nerves and lead to severe involuntary contraction of muscles usually in the abdomen, neck and stomach. The bacteria that causes tetanus can be found in soil, manure, or dust which you may have been exposed to while gardening. You can get infected when the bacteria enters your body through cuts and other types of wounds. This happens particularly when the affected area becomes dirty.

For people who have not had a tetanus jab in the past 10 years it is recommended that you contact your GP to bring your immunisations up to date. To learn more about the UK vaccination programme against Tetanus visit NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk and search “Do I need a tetanus jab (vaccine) after an accident or injury?”
Answered by: Sonia Hall, Clinical Manager and Nurse Practitioner - Melbourne Grove Medical Practice