Download Do I Need a Tetanus Shot?

Do I Need a Tetanus Shot?
Information for People Preparing for or Cleaning Up After a Flood
Tetanus is rare bacterial infection that can lead to very serious illness or death.
It is sometimes called lockjaw because infected people cannot open their
mouths or swallow.
The bacteria live in soil, saliva, dust and manure and usually enter the body
through a deep cut, like those you might get from cutting yourself with a knife
or stepping on a nail.
Those working in a flood cleanup and those who live near the flood waters
could expose themselves by stepping on a sharp and cutting object hidden in
murky water or mud.
Getting your tetanus shot before flooding occurs can give you one less concern
if floods occur
It takes about two weeks after getting a tetanus shot for resistance to build.
Adults should receive a tetanus booster every at least every 10 years. The
interval between shots may be less than ten years.
Because of debris and the possibility for cuts and wounds, all cleanup workers
and volunteers who are not up-to-date on their vaccinations should contact their
doctor, local public health department or pharmacy before arriving in the
flooded area.
For more information on Tetanus and Tetanus shots, see:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/
www.cdc.gov
For information on Health Department immunization clinics, see:
http://www.larimer.org/health/chs/immunizations.asp
June, 2011