Residents in flooding areas are encouraged to get a tetanus shot if theirs is not up-to-date because of debris and possible cuts and wounds during the clean-up process.
Tetanus shots are recommended every 10 years for adults. Children get tetanus shots for kindergarten and booster shots at grade 7, then they should be immunized every 10 years after that. If someone experiences a deep puncture wound or a wound contaminated with dirt, an additional booster dose may be given if the last dose was more than 5 years ago.
Please contact your private physician, or call Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health, 355-1540, for an appointment to get a tetanus shots
Tetanus is a disease that causes painful tightening of muscles all over the body. It’s sometimes called lockjaw because infected people cannot open their mouths or swallow. It’s a serious illness and often results in death.