{"id":12775,"date":"2025-02-18T16:28:05","date_gmt":"2025-02-18T21:28:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/?page_id=12775"},"modified":"2025-02-18T16:28:05","modified_gmt":"2025-02-18T21:28:05","slug":"lenowisco-and-cumberland-plateau-health-districts-encourage-tetanus-vaccine-following-recent-floods","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.vdh.virginia.gov\/news\/public-relations-contacts\/archived-news-releases\/2025-regional-news-releases\/lenowisco-and-cumberland-plateau-health-districts-encourage-tetanus-vaccine-following-recent-floods\/","title":{"rendered":"LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Encourage Tetanus Vaccine Following Recent Floods"},"content":{"rendered":"

February 18, 2025
\nMedia Contact: <\/strong>Daniel Hunsucker, PIO, daniel.hunsucker@vdh.virginia.gov<\/p>\n

LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts Encourage Tetanus Vaccine Following Recent Floods<\/strong><\/p>\n

WISE, Va. \u2013 The LENOWISCO and Cumberland Plateau Health Districts are offering free Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap) to those affected by the flooding, responding to emergency situations, or those assisting with the recovery. The health department reminds residents and first responders to ensure their tetanus vaccinations are up to date.<\/p>\n

Tetanus, sometimes called \u201clockjaw,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

You may need a tetanus booster shot if:<\/p>\n