pred and tetanus shot??

[agingfeminist]

I will be speaking to a doctor at an emergency clinic but never confident they are well enough informed about the way PMR patients are dosed on pred. I would so appreciate the wisdom of this community.

I got a cat scratch today...my fragile skin readily disintegrate...small amount of bleeding.

Is there any problem having a tetanus shot while on pred?

Now on 4 mg...but average of very high and high doses for first two years of PMR journey (now in 4th year). I am sure I am immunocompromised as a I have had local infections for no good reason (fungal, cellulitis). Also the prolia shots I take cause immunosuppression.

I haven't had a tetanus shot before.

with many thanks for any thoughts you have

[SnazzyD]

I used to give tetanus shots and were told that giving a shot after the event is a bit pointless but is just hedging bets. The reason is that it takes two weeks to properly achieve seroconversion. If a wound is really at risk of having tetanus bacterium (usually puncture wounds, non bleeding, dirty or not able to be thoroughly cleaned) the immunoglobulin needs to be given for instant antibodies. I would get advice and if you have never had a course for tetanus, get one. One jab doesn’t do the trick long term unless there are new ones on the market.

Here is a useful table of guidelines

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Definition of tetanus prone wound

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Also be aware of cat scratch fever

healthline.com/health/cat-s...

[agingfeminist in reply to SnazzyD]

THANK you. For reply and replying so quickly. I live alone and the feedback from this community really steadies me whenever I am having a wobbly moment. Your informed advice is brilliant. I will read all the info... I will get a course for tetanus starting with a walk-in clinic open this evening. A big virtual hug...

[SnazzyD in reply to agingfeminist]

By the way the normal jab isn’t live and when I was giving courses it came with Diptheria and Polio too and not tetanus on its own, even for children’s vaccinations.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

I had a booster shot years ago whilst on a higher dose than you before my trip to NZ-via other places. No problem

[agingfeminist]

Thank you for the reassurance. Everything feels like an unknown since PMR took over.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Nothing to add to Snazzy's info - I haven't had another tetanus for YEARS having achieved the lifetime limit that is said to confer lifetime protection.

But cat scratches tend to need some attention - they can be nasty.

[agingfeminist]

Thank you all. A doc phoned a couple of hours later. Got a tetanus and diphtheria shot (definitely a good idea to use the opportunity to get one). All is well and have antibiotic cream for scratch. Feeling very wary of the new kitten that is living with me...fortunately it has had all the vaccinations but it is primarily an outdoor adventurer. Sleeps and eats inside and is hyper playful...now mainly ignoring her ...and the storms of the past few days stopped this morning so she can go outside and burn off some energy. Also got a scratching post.

Thank you everyone for being so helpful...being in touch with you really helped me take a few deep breaths...I even got back to online work!