October 2, 2024
Media Contact: Brianne Kilbourne, 276-781-7450
Mount Rogers Health District Offers Free Tetanus and Hepatitis A Vaccines
MARION, Va. – The Mount Rogers Health District is offering free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) and Hepatitis A vaccines to those adults 19 years and older 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.
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV). HAV infection usually causes a mild, short-term illness, is contagious, and spreads through close person-to-person contact and eating contaminated food or drink. Vaccination is the best way to prevent infection.
You may need a dose of hepatitis A vaccine if:
- You are living, working, or preparing food in a shelter.
- You are providing medical or personal care to displaced residents.
- You are working in a jail, prison, detention center, or law enforcement capacity.
- You are functioning as a first responder.
Hepatitis A immunization is not indicated for those engaged in clean-up or those exposed to flood waters. There is no increased risk of hepatitis A in sewer workers or those working in flood waters. If you have had the two-dose series of hepatitis A, no booster is needed.
Vaccines will be offered during the following dates and times:
Tetanus and Hepatitis A Vaccines
Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3 – 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Grayson Highlands School, 6459 Troutdale Highway, Troutdale
Mount Rogers Fire and Rescue Building, 51 Firehouse Road, Whitetop
Brookside Baptist Church, 5523 Sugar Grove Highway (Highway 16), Sugar Grove
Wednesday, October 2 and Thursday, October 3 – 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Town Park, 202 South Beaver Dam Ave., Damascus
Thursday, October 3, Noon – 4:30 p.m. and Friday, October 4, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Bristol City Health Department, 341 Piedmont Ave., Bristol
Bland County Health Department, 209 Jackson St., Bland
Carroll County Health Department, 605 Pine St., Suite 15, Hillsville
Galax City Health Department, 502 S. Main St., Galax
Grayson County Health Department, 186 West Main St., Independence
Smyth County Health Department., 201 Francis Marion Lane, Marion
Washington County Health Department, 15068 Lee Highway, Suite, 1000, Bristol
Wythe County Health Department, 290 S. 6th St., Suite 300, Wytheville
If you’re not sure if you need a tetanus or hepatitis A vaccine, contact your primary care provider or your local health department. For more information on immunization, visit: www.vdh.virginia.gov/immunization/.