Full Notification

Tetanus Prevention Notice from the Lyndhurst Health Department August 31, 2011
After storms, we often receive questions about the need for tetanus shots. Since flood waters can be considered contaminated for many disease-causing organisms, we need to know when you had your last tetanus shot in order to answer this question. It is recommended that adults receive tetanus shot boosters every 10 years since immunity to tetanus decreases over the years. If a person has an exposure, a tetanus booster might be given before the 10 year period of the previous booster has passed.
The bacteria which causes tetanus enters the body through breaks in the skin, such as with a cut or puncture wound. Please discuss any possible exposures with your health care provider. Please keep documentation of the dates of all vaccines you receive to assist in knowing whether or not you require a tetanus booster.
On August 31, 2011, the Bergen County Department of Health Services issued the following recommendation: “Tetanus vaccine usually provides protection for 10 years, but boosters may be given sooner in the case of accidental injury. Individuals who sustain an open wound, are subjected to contaminated water, and have not had a tetanus shot in 10 years should receive tetanus booster (Td) as soon as possible. Individuals who do not have a wound and have not had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years should receive a tetanus booster at some point in the near future, but it does not have to be given urgently. Each person should be evaluated individually for the need for tetanus booster.”
If you fall into a category where you need a tetanus booster, please ask your medical provider if you should receive the Tdap vaccine (Combined Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis), instead of Td. Both provide protection against tetanus. In 2005, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) voted to recommend routine use of a single dose of Tdap for adults 19-64 years of age to replace the next booster dose of the tetanus and diphtheria vaccine (Td). If you have already received one dose of Tdap but still need a tetanus booster, then you should receive Td. (http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/combo-vaccines/dtap-td-dt/tdap.htm)
Joyce Jacobson, Health Administrator
Lyndhurst Health Department
253 Stuyvesant Avenue
Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
201-804-2421