Hydrogen peroxide can help sterilize a wound but it’s not a substitute for getting a tetanus shot. This is because hydrogen peroxide can’t reach all the way into a wound, especially a deep one, which means the tetanus bacteria can still thrive beneath the skin. Medical professionals suggest that you clean and disinfect the wound, apply a topical antibiotic to prevent any other bacteria from getting inside the area, and then go to see a doctor about getting a tetanus shot. This way, you’re fully protected and can rest easy knowing that you’ve done everything you can do to prevent infection. When you get a deep cut, wound, or bite seeking proper medical care is important – especially if that injury may have been contaminated with dirt, soil, feces, rust, or saliva. Your physician may recommend you a tetanus shot to protect you from the life-threatening bacterial infection known as tetanus (lockjaw). While babies and kids are regularly dosed with the tetanus vaccine as they move through childhood, adults are advised to get a tetanus shot every ten years. This shot is safe, effective, and prevents serious complications that can arise from bacterial infection. At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, our medical team can provide you with the tetanus shot you need to safeguard your health. Contact us at your earliest convenience for any questions that you may have, or schedule an appointment. We serve patients from Portland OR, PDX, Happy Valley OR, Tigard OR, Milwaukie OR, Cedar Hills OR, Cedar Mill OR, Lake Oswego OR, Oak Grove OR, Vancouver WA, Aloha OR, Minnehaha WA, Gladstone OR, Tualatin OR, West Linn OR, Fairview OR, Oregon City OR.