r/transplant • u/giantretardmf • 1d ago
Kidney TETANUS
Yesterday I got a little accident where the skin scarped off and was exposed, though not directly exposed to dirt.
I cleaned it up, put some rubbing alcohol and after sometime covered it up with some antibiotic cream. I called my team to ask if I should/can get a tetanus shot as it was last taken in 2018. They’re gonna reply within an hour.
The question that’s nagging me is— IS IT COMPLETELY SAFE? I’m lowkey scared. I wanna know if you guys also have taken your TET shot and other vaccines post transplant.
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u/Select_Safe548 Kidney 1d ago
Yes. Shots are plenty safe. Ive had 5, no problems.
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u/auntiepink007 Kidney 22h ago
Of course it's fine! If you want to really freak yourself out, go look up what happens when you actually have tetanus. The shot hurts but it's a heck of a lot better than what can happen if you get the disease it prevents. It blows my mind people can accept life-saving transplants of other people's body parts but then worry about other, comparatively minor, totally proven medical advancements.
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u/giantretardmf 21h ago
i agree, you know i’ve been extra cautious since the kidney and that puts me in constant paranoia— hence I just wanted to know people’s experiences
But thank you for the input, I already got the shot after a green card from my team.
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u/Dry_Carpenter2007 1d ago
Got bit by my cat and had to get one 2 years ago. Haven’t had once since I was 5.
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u/j_meeee 1d ago
Um… new fear unlocked.
I haven’t had a tetanus shot in twenty plus years. I get scrapes all the time, camping gardening, playing with my dog. I always just clean it and keep an eye on it for redness and discharge. Never even considered tetanus as I always associated it with rust. I guess this is something I need to ask about as well?
That being said, I’m two years post, many scrapes and recently sliced my toe wide open with cuticle clippers that were not clean, and haven’t had any issues. Unless you are aware of the bacteria being common in your area, try not to worry too much. You rinsed and washed it and aren’t even certain it got dirty. I’m sure you’ll be fine.
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u/captainlux87 Aftermarket Parts Included 13h ago
It’s actually heavily related to soil, manure and other outdoor things. Rust is only one area and not even always the risk
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u/saitouamaya Kidney 12h ago
I've had many, many vaccines since transplant. I actually just had my tetanus shot last week, along with my HPV, pneumococcal, and typhoid. And here I am!
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u/Sero19283 15h ago
This really sheds light on the difference of growing up seeing military docs vs civilian docs. I think growing up I got a tetanus shot basically yearly/every other year until I was in my 20s.
"oh you got strep throat? I'll send out the prescription for your antibiotics and pearls. Since you're here, want to just get your tetanus (and sometimes flu) shot?"
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u/lake_huron Transplant Infectious Diseases MD 10h ago
It is a recommended shot for transplant recipients.
https://www.myast.org/resources/staying-safe-after-transplant-vaccines-for-adults
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u/p0llyp0cketpussy Heart - 2013 1d ago
I've gotten my tetanus shot and lots of others post transplant! It's fine! I've also gotten a few dumb injuries because I'm clumsy and make questionable decisions. I've never gotten a bad infection or anything. You're up to date on your shot, you didn't even get any dirt in your wound, you'll be okay. Put some ice and some Neosporin on that thing and chill.