How long does a tetanus jab last in the UK?
A full UK course is 5 doses. Once you've had all 5, you're considered protected for life in most situations. For tetanus-prone wounds, UKHSA still recommends a booster if it's been more than 10 years since your last dose, and tetanus immunoglobulin may be added for high-risk wounds.
Do I need a tetanus shot after a rusty nail or bite?
Rust itself doesn't cause tetanus, but puncture wounds, soil-contaminated wounds, and animal/human bites are classed as tetanus-prone. Whether you need a booster depends on your immunisation history and the wound category. Use the calculator on the home page or see UKHSA wound-management guidance.
What is Revaxis?
Revaxis is the UK adult/older-child low-dose combined tetanus, diphtheria and inactivated polio vaccine (Td/IPV). It's a single 0.5 mL intramuscular dose used for routine boosters and post-exposure prophylaxis in people aged 10 years and over.
What's the difference between TIG, HTIG and HNIG?
TIG (tetanus immunoglobulin) and HTIG are the same product — human-derived antibodies specific to tetanus. HNIG (human normal immunoglobulin, e.g. Subgam, Cuvitru, Gammanorm) is a JCVI-approved alternative when specific TIG is unavailable. UKHSA recommends 250 IU IM, doubled to 500 IU if it's been over 24 hours since the injury, the wound is heavily contaminated, or it's a burn.
How do I know if my tetanus vaccinations are up to date?
If you grew up in the UK and completed the routine childhood schedule plus the teenage 3-in-1 booster, you've likely had all 5 doses. Your GP record is the source of truth. If you're unsure or were vaccinated abroad, treat your status as 'unknown' — UKHSA recommends acting as if the schedule is incomplete.
What are the symptoms of tetanus?
Early symptoms include jaw stiffness (lockjaw), neck stiffness, difficulty swallowing, and painful muscle spasms. Tetanus is a medical emergency — suspected cases should be discussed with infectious diseases or microbiology immediately and reported to UKHSA.
Is the tetanus jab free on the NHS?
Yes. Routine childhood and teenage doses, post-exposure boosters after a tetanus-prone wound, and catch-up courses are all free under the NHS.
Are there side effects from Revaxis?
Most side effects are mild: soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, mild fever, headache or tiredness for 1–2 days. Serious reactions are rare. See the BNF entry for tetanus vaccine for full details.
Can I get tetanus from a small cut?
Clean, minor cuts are low-risk. The risk rises with puncture wounds, contamination with soil/manure/saliva, devitalised tissue, burns, and surgical delays of more than 6 hours. The calculator scores these factors against UKHSA Tables 4 and 5.
Is TetanusCheck a medical device?
No. It hasn't been registered with the MHRA and is provided as an educational decision-support aid for UK healthcare professionals only. The responsible clinician retains full accountability for any decision made.