Department of Health Providing Free Tetanus Vaccinations at Request of Flood-affected Counties in Northcentral Pennsylvania; Additional Clinic Scheduled this Weekend in Lycoming County

HARRISBURG, Pa., Nov. 2, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Health is holding tetanus vaccination clinics in flood-affected areas of Centre and Lycoming counties on Thursday, November 3, and Saturday, November 5. The department has already conducted clinics in Lycoming and Sullivan counties for residents and first responders who came into contact with debris during recent flash flooding.

Residents of Centre or Lycoming counties who believe they came into contact with flood debris can receive a free tetanus shot at the following times and locations:

• Centre County:
  • 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Thursday, November 3, Freedom Life Church, 113 Sunset Acres, Bellefonte, Pa.
• Lycoming County:
  • 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Thursday, November 3, Lycoming County Department of Public Safety, 542 County Farm Rd., Montoursville, Pa.
  • 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Saturday, November 5, Plunketts Creek Township Building, 179 Dunwoody Rd., Williamsport, Pa.

Tetanus, sometimes called "lockjaw," can cause symptoms such as fever, jaw cramping, muscle spasms, and seizures. Tetanus is contracted through a wound which comes in contact with soil or debris contaminated with the tetanus bacteria. It is not transmitted from person to person. Tetanus can also occur following drug injection using contaminated needles, equipment, or drugs.

A tetanus booster is recommended for anyone who has not had a tetanus shot in the past ten years. A booster dose may also be recommended if an individual is wounded and has not had a tetanus shot in the past five years.  

Any Pennsylvanians who may have come into contact with flood debris in other counties can call 1-877-PA-HEALTH to learn about available tetanus shots in their communities. More information on tetanus is available at www.health.pa.gov.

MEDIA CONTACT: April Hutcheson, 717-787-1783

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Health

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us