Three Rivers Public Health Department (3RPHD) is offering free tetanus shots while supplies last to impacted residents as well as first responders, volunteers, or any others who have been or will be assisting with recovery and cleanup efforts from Friday’s tornado.
Free tetanus shots will be available at the Lakeland Clubhouse, 4861 Lakeland Drive in Blair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday (May 1) and Thursday (May 2).
Please ensure the following:
· If cleaning up debris from the storm, make sure you have had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years.
· If you have a minor injury (scrape, shallow puncture wound etc.) and it has been over 5 years since your last tetanus shot you need to get one.
· For serious wounds (deep puncture sounds, dirty wounds, wounds requiring stiches, etc..) see a medical provider immediately for treatment.
The risk of injury is high during a storm and while working to clean up the aftermath. Prompt first aid can help heal small wounds and prevent infection.
Tetanus is commonly known as “lockjaw,” and is a serious disease that affects the nervous system and causes painful muscle contractions, particularly of your jaw and neck muscles. Tetanus can cause severe breathing problems and in serious cases, lead to death. There is no cure for tetanus. To learn more about public health, go to our website at: www.threeriverspublichealth.org
