July 1, 2002

 

HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO AGAIN OFFER ROUTINE TETANUS SHOTS

Charlotte, NC – Starting today, the Mecklenburg County Health Department will begin offering regular and booster shots of the tetanus/diphtheria (Td) vaccine. Supply of the vaccine had been limited for the last year across the country.

Starting today, the Mecklenburg County Health Department will begin offering regular and booster shots of the tetanus/diphtheria (Td) vaccine. Supply of the vaccine had been limited for the last year across the country.

The shortage resulted when one manufacturer stopped producing the vaccine, causing a delay or postponement for many patients scheduled to receive the vaccine. Supplies of tetanus had been reserved for those needing the vaccine for wound treatment or other specific needs.

An end to the tetanus vaccine shortage now means that students at North Carolina colleges and universities who have not had the vaccine in the past 10 years must have a vaccine booster. The State had waived the requirement due to the nationwide shortage. The State also requires a tetanus booster for adolescents 10-12 years old and anyone else who has not had a tetanus booster within the last 10 years.

The Health Department's immunizations clinic is anticipating demand for the vaccine to pick up since schools will now expect students to have up-to-date shot records, including tetanus.  

The vaccine protects against two different and potentially fatal infections: tetanus, a bacterial infection that is most often transmitted through a cut or puncture in the skin; and diphtheria, which enters the body through the mouth and nose and attacks the mucous membranes.

Tetanus/diphtheria is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended childhood immunizations schedule, which can be found on the Health Department’s Web site at http://www.meckhealth.org, or at the following link:

http://www.co.mecklenburg.nc.us/cohealth/immunization/immsched.htm.

Vaccinations for children and adults, including tetanus, are free at the Mecklenburg County Health Department. Walk-in patients are welcome but an appointment is recommended. For more information, call the Health Department’s immunization clinic at 704-336-4744.