Marshall County Health officials are urging anyone dealing in and around the floods to make sure they are current on their tetanus booster.
“Under normal circumstances, people are not at an increased risk of getting a vaccine-preventable disease, like tetanus, during a flood. However, when people are in the cleanup phase they may be wounded and exposed to the bacteria that causes tetanus through the open wound”, stated Christine Stinson, administrator for the Marshall County Heath Department.
What is tetanus and tetanus vaccine?
• Tetanus is a disease contracted by getting the tetanus bacteria into an open cut or wound. Although tetanus is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.
• Tetanus is preventable by making sure a person is up to date on their tetanus immunization. This is usually done by getting a tetanus booster every 10 years.
• Tetanus booster vaccine is now usually combined with diphtheria and pertussis vaccines as “Tdap” to provide protection against all three diseases.
The Health Department will be accepting walk-ins for the Tdap shot. The office is open Monday – Friday from 8:00AM to 4:00PM. Our office is located in the basement of the Community Resource Center, 510 W. Adams Street, Plymouth, IN.
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Marshall County Health Department at 574-935-8565.
