State health dept. offers free T-DAP vaccines after recent floods

Elizabeth Rodil
Mar 18, 2016
1 min read

HATTIESBURG, Miss - The MSDH is concern of lingering bacteria, and is offering free T-DAP vaccinations in certain counties.

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) reminds all residents recently affected by flooding that a tetanus vaccination is recommended if it has been 10 years or more since your last tetanus vaccination.

Dr. Paul Byers with the MSDH specializes in Epidemiology and said, "Well you know for individuals involved in a clean-up especially after our floods or ther natural disasters there is a possibility they may get cuts or scrapes on their skin or puncture wounds. It is important to make sure they are up to date with their tetanus vaccinations."

He said to avoid flood waters at all cost if you can, but if you have been affected by it, make sure you exercise caution when approaching bacteria filled water.

"But for people who are primarily at risk, it is the peple who have been over ten years since they had a tetanus booster" said Dr. Byers.

The last report of tetanus was in 2014, Dr. Byers mentions, Mississippi does not see tetanus cases often because of booster shots, however pertussis is still present, which the T-DAP prevents.

MSDH said its a good opportunity to receive a free vaccination if you need one.