Larimer County Dept. of Health and Environment giving free Tetanus vaccines to flood survivors

The Larimer County Dept. of Health and Environment will be giving a limited number of free Tetanus shots (Tdap) to those who have been or will be exposed to flood waters or involved in cleanup of flooded areas. The vaccines will be available at The Northern Colorado Disaster Assistance Center, 815 14th St., SW, Loveland (former Agilent/Hewlett Packard Building, Building B), only on Thursday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free vaccines will be available while supplies last on that day.

Those persons who have not had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years should get the vaccine. Persons exposed to flood water who have punctures or open wounds should been seen by a health care provider if it has been more than 5 years since their last vaccination; those with dirty wounds should be evaluated, treated and may need a booster sooner.

Employees who are working in flood activities and have not received a tetanus booster in the last 10 years are encouraged to be vaccinated by their private physician or occupational health provider.

Tetanus is a disease caused by a bacteria found in soil and animal or human feces. It is sometimes called “lockjaw” because of the muscle spasms caused by the bacterial toxin that affects the nervous system. The bacteria are introduced to the body through puncture wounds or open cuts. Health Department officials say flood conditions create high levels of bacteria and anyone who works with the cleanup should be up to date on their tetanus vaccinations.