Full Notification

For immediate release:  5/02/2017
Contact: Mende Kemper
               Lincoln County Health Department
               Phone: 636-528-6117 x 411
 
Subject:           Tetanus shots

Tetanus Shots Available

Lincoln County Health Department is administering free tetanus shots to local residents impacted by the recent flooding, as well as Lincoln County First Responders who have been or will be assisting with recovery and cleanup efforts. Free shots will be available beginning today, 5/02/17 please call for an appointment, at the Lincoln County Health Department, 5 Health Department Drive, in Troy, Missouri. If your last tetanus shot was more than 10 years ago you need a booster.

Tetanus, commonly known as “lockjaw,” is a serious bacterial disease that affects the nervous system and causes painful muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Tetanus can cause severe breathing difficulty and in serious cases, lead to death. There is no cure for tetanus.

Tetanus bacteria are everywhere in the environment, including soil, dust and manure. Tetanus is most commonly caused by the bacteria getting into the body through broken skin, usually through injuries from contaminated objects. People exposed to areas or objects that were affected by the recent flooding are at risk for contracting tetanus.

Please call the Lincoln County Health Department for more information at 636-528-6117.