Cat Bite Injuries: When to Get Tetanus Shots After a Wild Cat Bite

Cat bite?

I was bitten by a stray cat and I'm unsure how to assess the depth of the wound.
I received the Moderna vaccine on March 1st.
How long should I wait to get the tetanus vaccine? I found online that it can be administered after 7 days, but I'm concerned about the risk of tetanus infection.

12347, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/02

Dr. Chen Ronghong reply Surgery

Hello, if you have received a tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years, you do not need to get vaccinated again.
If you are unsure of the date of your last vaccination or have never been vaccinated, it is recommended to seek medical evaluation to assess the risk of tetanus infection (including the depth of the wound and whether there is any immunocompromised condition) before deciding on vaccination.
Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a seven-day interval between the COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines, there is currently no evidence to suggest that a shorter interval affects the efficacy or safety of the vaccines.
Lastly, regardless of whether you get vaccinated, please be aware of any unusual muscle spasm symptoms.

Reply Date: 2022/03/02

More Info

When it comes to cat bite injuries, especially from wild or stray cats, there are several important considerations regarding the risk of infection and the need for vaccinations, particularly tetanus shots.
Firstly, it’s crucial to assess the nature of the bite. Cat bites can be deceptively small but may penetrate deeply, potentially introducing bacteria into the wound. The risk of infection from a cat bite is significant due to the bacteria present in a cat's mouth, which can lead to conditions such as cellulitis or abscess formation. If you have been bitten by a wild cat, even if the wound appears minor, it is advisable to seek medical attention to properly evaluate the injury.

Regarding tetanus vaccinations, the general guideline is that if you have had a tetanus booster within the last 10 years, you may not need another one. However, if you are unsure of your vaccination history or if it has been more than 10 years since your last booster, it is recommended to receive a tetanus shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that if a person has a dirty or contaminated wound (which can include animal bites), a booster should be given if it has been more than 5 years since the last shot.

In your case, since you mentioned receiving the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine on March 1, it is important to note that there is no contraindication for receiving a tetanus shot shortly after a COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC states that there is no evidence to suggest that receiving a COVID-19 vaccine and a tetanus vaccine within a short time frame affects the efficacy or safety of either vaccine. Therefore, if you are due for a tetanus shot, you can proceed with it without waiting for the 7-day interval.

Additionally, keep an eye on the wound for any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. If you experience symptoms like fever, chills, or worsening pain, it is essential to seek medical care promptly.
In summary, after a wild cat bite, you should:
1. Assess the Wound: Even if it looks minor, seek medical evaluation to rule out deep tissue injury and infection.

2. Tetanus Vaccination: If your last tetanus booster was over 10 years ago, or if you are unsure, get a booster. It is safe to do so even shortly after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.

3. Monitor for Infection: Watch for any signs of infection and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Taking these steps can help ensure that you remain healthy and minimize the risk of complications from the bite.

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