Let’s Talk About Vaccines

Let’s talk about vaccines beginning with tetanus. The symptoms of Tetanus are a result of a bacteria produced poison.  The bacteria can be found in the soil, intestines, and feces of many household animals and humans. It is spread through a puncture wound to the body, not person to person. Even minor injuries like self-tatooing, splinters and self -piercing can cause this infection. The diagnosis is difficult to make and there is no cure for tetanus if a person develops it. A person who has had a series of three Td or Tdap shots and a booster within the last ten years should be protected. However, a booster within five years is often given if the wound is considered of higher risk. Adults who are 65 and older should also keep up to date on their Tdap immunization. For more info go to www.cdc.gov/vaccines.