Do you need tetanus shot after cutting your fingernail?

Generally, whether a tetanus shot is needed after cutting a fingernail depends on the wound condition and immunization history. A tetanus shot should be administered promptly if the wound is deep, heavily contaminated, or if the individual hasn't received a tetanus vaccine in the past 5–10 years. However, if the wound is shallow, clean, and the person has been vaccinated within the past five years, a tetanus shot is usually unnecessary. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the nail-cutting wound is deep—for instance, involving the nail bed, causing persistent bleeding, or exposed to contaminants such as rusty tools or soil—it may create an anaerobic environment that increases the risk of Clostridium tetani infection. In such cases, medical attention should be sought within 24 hours of injury for a tetanus shot; wound cleaning and anti-infective treatment may also be required when necessary.

If the nail-cutting wound is superficial, involving only minor epidermal damage with slight oozing, and the cutting tool was clean, and the person has received a tetanus vaccine within the past five years, sufficient antibodies are likely still present, so a tetanus shot is generally not needed. Proper wound cleaning and disinfection are sufficient in these cases.

After a nail injury, regardless of whether a tetanus shot is given, the wound should be promptly rinsed with normal saline and disinfected with iodophor to prevent infection, avoiding contact with water. During recovery, keep the wound dry and avoid pressure or friction on the wound.