Why a tetanus shot for a cat bite????

[Guest guest]

I am 38 yrs old and diabetic, I was bitten by my cat in late February, I

received medical attn within 6 hrs, and started on antibiotics that evening.

My doctor asked me while I was in there when my last tetanus shot was, I

told him about 14 yrs ago, he suggested I get another one and I refused the

shot due to my beliefs on vaccinations. After 2 wks of antibiotic my thumb

started to swell again and I went to the ER, where they again suggested a

tetanus shot and I refused. Here we are 7 wks later, 3 rounds of very

potent antibiotics and my thumb is swelling again and I am seeing an

orthopedic surgeon tomorrow. In preparation for my consult with him I was

researching and keep coming across information that says patient should

receive a tetanus shot. WHY????? I thought tetanus was from rusty nails

etc...and that lock jaw as a result of tetanus was virtually non-existent.

Is there something I am missing here????

Please send any advice and back up evidence to me so I can be well prepared

for my meeting with the surgeon tomorrow as I am sure he too will put the

pressure on me for a tetanus shot. I am so confused over why I would need a

tetanus shot for an animal bite, also I was thinking that I had read

somewhere that your tetanus shot is really good for approximately 20-25 yrs

and that revaxing is not necessary (even if it is I am not going to consent

to the shot, I just want info to back me up in my decision)

Non-vaxing mother of 4 children