Etanercept and tetanus

[Flossie-M]

Hello,

Hope some one can help. I have just received a bite from our dog (we were playing and my hand hit her tooth and broke the skin) I have rung the doctors and they have asked me to go and get a tetanus booster, but I am unsure as to whether I can have it whilst on Etanercept. Has anyone else had it?

Thank you,

Karen.x

[Hidden]

Hi Flossie

I have posted a link below on our article about immunisation which I hope helps answer your question:

nras.org.uk/immunisation-fo...

Regards

Beverley (NRAS Helpline)

[Hidden]

Hi Karen

My dog bit my toe about a year ago. I tripped and fell on the poor little lovey and he bit me in fright. It broke the skin but only a bit. I spoke to 2 GPs and 1 nurse who all has different opinions. In the end, I had it but the senior GP at my surgery (who is excellent) said it was pointless as our pets who we know are so so so so so unlikely to be carrying these sorts of diseases.

It's not a live vaccine, so not contraindicated and I suppose it's a relatively minor thing. Do take your GPS advice, better safe than sorry.

Sophie x

[helenlw7]

I am on etanercept, and had a tetanus booster last year after my cat scratched me. I had no side effects.

[Kariss]

Hi. I had a similar experience only last week except mine was a puncture wound from a long thorn whilst gardening, but the wound was dirty and I live in an area where tetanus is known to be high in the soil. The area came up in a huge bruise so I asked advice at my Dr's. They looked at my records and at the puncture and said I was still covered by my previous course and the type of wound was not likely to be a problem - apparently a booster is only needed every ten years now unless you get a dodgy injury or your records are unknown. So I didn't need the booster.

You could ask at your surgery to check your records. It may put your mind at rest. They will also have notes that you are on an RA medication so will be able to advise you.

Best wishes.

[Bailybiscuit in reply to Kariss]

I recently cut my finger with secateurs at the tip. I thought because of being on Benepali and my low immunity I might need a tetanus injection or anti biotics. I spoke to a dr who thought that as it was the tip of the finger with a good blood supply it would heal quickly. He was right, it healed by the fifth day.

[Flossie-M]

Thank you everyone for your replies, I had the tetanus booster and have been absolutely fine.x