My pet hamster just bit me. do l need a tetnus jab?

nope.. but you need to keep the wound clean and watch out for infection..

yes, l would get a jab.

usually when your a child, we get a tetnus jab ready for when we are in school, but it only lasts until your about 23 years old. Its worth getting another one after that age. Its good just to be protected from catching tetnus if you cut yourself.. or have an evil pet.

keep some detol or something handy to clean out cuts.. savlons good too

So l read Dr. Franks answer and checked it out and yes, he is right for the UK. And different from the US. l was saying every 10 years because l live in the US.
http://nhsdirect.nhs.uk/articles/article.aspx?ArticleId=1316

depends when you last had one. If you're worried contact NHS direct.

http://nhsdirect.nhs.uk/

In general terms the answer is no. Virtually everyone under the age of 60 years in the UK has had 5 or more tetanus injection. 3 as infants, a preschool booster & one at secondary school, & often a number of unnecessary boosters after that.

After five injections it has been decided that the risk of reaction to further boosters, outweighs the risk & chance of actually getting tetanus, so no more should routinely be given. Exceptions r major trauma in things lake RTAs & lacerations that occur in farmyards where there r more Chlostridium tetani organisms about.