Hello, Have you had a tetanus shot in the last 5-10 years - If NO
then please do so! You need to have your tetanus shot RENEWED every 5
years (ideally) else 10 years. If you are older ( past 50 ) then 5
years is better - though a doc i spoke to suggested every 1 year, if
you are past 65 and garden.

If you cut yourself and THEN decide to get a Tetanus shot (for the
first time ever), make sure they give you both the Tetanus vaccine AND
the TIG (Tetanus Immuno Globulin). The TIG contains the actual
antibodies that resist the Clostridium Tetani. The vaccine provides
you with long term immunity (stimulates your body to generate
antibodies, but that takes 3 weeks if you've never had a tetanus
shot). It's safer to get the TIG as well in case of a muddy cut!
Though i haven't done this as yet..(but i do have my booster shots).

READ: http://www.indianpediatrics.net/feb1999/feb-198-200.htm
That's the best article i found on the net that CLEARLY explains what
is what!

I cross-posted earlier but i can't find the post on URG so i guess
you'll have to read it on rec.gardens (this is a lot shorter and minus
a few other links).

The tetanus-vaccine injection was pretty painless, i hardly felt the
prick because i was looking away when she shoved it in and was quite
surprised that it was all over so quickly! The arm is sore though
after a day and i was very slightly feverish. Do it on a Friday or a
Saturday, and get everyone to baby you, and tell them what a great
risk it is and how you avoided death so narrowly. I got to lie in bed
and goof off while Mum danced around and got chocolates and ice-cream,
though they didn't take my suggestion of heaving the whole bowl to the
invalid too well.