October 1, 2024
Media Contact:
Daniel Hunsucker, LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts, 276-328-8000
LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Offer Free Tdap Vaccines
WISE, Va. – The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts are offering free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) vaccines to those affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery.
Tetanus, sometimes called “lockjaw,” can cause symptoms such as fever, jaw cramping, muscle spasms, and seizures. Tetanus bacteria is found naturally in soil. If you wade through flood water, you could encounter sharp objects and sustain an injury that allows the tetanus bacteria to enter your body. Although tetanus infection is rare, it can be very serious or even fatal.
The best way to prevent infection is to be vaccinated prior to exposure, which is why all adults should receive tetanus shots every 10 years. However, tetanus vaccination is still effective if given within 48 hours after an injury.
You may need a tetanus booster shot if:
- It has been more than 10 years since your last tetanus vaccination.
- You have a puncture wound and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.
- You have a wound that has come in contact with flood water, and it has been more than five years since your last tetanus vaccination.
If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus vaccine, contact your primary care provider or your local health department. For more information on immunization, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/.
The vaccines are available for free at all health departments in Cumberland Plateau (Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell) and in LENOWISCO (Lee, Scott, Wise) during regular business hours, Monday-Friday.
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