FLU SHOTS NOW AVAILABLE BY APPOINTMENT

Effective September 7, flu shots for adults are available by appointment at the North Shore Health Department from 8:30 am – 4:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please call 414-371-2980 to schedule an appointment.

ADULT FLU CLINICS

• Tuesday, October 13, 9:00 AM – Noon, Fox Point Police Department, 7300 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point
• Tuesday, October 19, 8:00-11:00 AM , Brown Deer Village Hall, 4800 W. Green Brook Drive, Brown Deer
• Thursday, October 21, 3:00 – 6:00 PM, Brown Deer Village Hall, 4800 W. Green Brook Drive, Brown Deer
• Wednesday, November 3, 3:30-6:30 PM, North Shore Library, 6800 N. Port Washington Rd., Glendale

COST

A regular flu shot costs $30.00. A limited amount of preservative free flu vaccine without thimerosal is available upon request at a cost of $35.00. Healthy adults aged 19 through 49 also have the option of the nasal spray vaccine for $35.00. The Health Department accepts cash or check but not credit/debit cards. 

If you have original Medicare Part B and do not have an Advantage Plan such as Secure Horizons, there is no cost to you for a flu shot. If you have an Advantage Plan, you must get your flu shot from your doctor to have it covered.

CHILDREN’S FLU CLINICS

Children’s flu clinics will be scheduled when the children’s vaccine has arrived at the Health Department. Please check back for updates.

 If you are planning an outing to the beach, please be sure to visit the updated Beach Health website at www.wibeaches.us before you go.  There is information about water quality and whether or not a beach is open or closed due to E.coli contamination.  Water quality information is available for both Lake Michigan beaches and inland lakes. 

The CDC also has some good information about swimming safely at www.cdc.gov/migrated_content/general_information/healthyswimming/safeswimming.html.  It would be a good idea to review sun safety tips at www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/prevention.htm before spending a day at the beach. 

In case you missed it. . . . . there was an article in the newspaper on June 15 about deer ticks being discovered at Doctor’s Park in Bayside.  A UW-Madison research team stated there was evidence of an established, breeding population of deer ticks in the area.  It had been thought that deer ticks were usually found in northern Wisconsin and residents in the southern part of the state did not need to worry unless they were traveling north.  This is definitely not the case.

Now is a good time for everyone to become more aware of deer ticks and their ability to carry communicable disease, including Lyme disease.  Prevention of tick bites is important and not too difficult.  Some very simple habits can help protect you:

• Walk in the middle of trails and avoid sitting on logs and leaning on trees.
• Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt, shoes and socks, and long pants. 
• Consider appropriate repellents.
• Wear light colored clothing to make it easier to spot ticks.
• Do tick checks immediately after outdoor activity and again 24 hours later.

 If you do find a tick, remove it carefully with tweezers (be sure to get all the parts) as soon as possible and call your doctor.  In most cases, a tick must be attached for 36-48 hours before disease is transmitted so it is worth your while to do a tick check.  You may be able to prevent disease.

Symptoms of Lyme disease can begin within a few days or up to a month after a tick bite.  70-80% of victims have a “bull’s eye” rash at the site of the bite.  Fatigue, fever, headache, mildly stiff neck, and muscle aches can be other acute symptoms.  Left untreated, Lyme disease can continue to progress and cause more serious illness. 

More information about Lyme disease can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/LymeDisease   and http://dhs.Wisconsin.gov/communicable/tickborne/lymedisease.

Ahhh, we’re finally getting some sunny days, warm weather, and increased outdoor activity!  That’s bound to make us more thirsty and tired than usual.  But please stop and think before you or your children reach for that energy drink!  Although it may be hard to resist the marketing blitz for energy drinks, there are some things you should know about them before you drink.

• Energy drinks are a HUGE business.  More than 500 new energy drinks have been launched this year and it is a 3.4 billion dollar a year industry and growing.
• 31% of 12-17 year olds are regular consumers of energy drinks.
• Energy drinks are not currently regulated by the FDA.
• The amount of caffeine in energy drinks is often not listed on the label and varies widely.  Some have the equivalent caffeine of 14 cans of Coca-Cola.
• There are risks associated with too much caffeine and tolerance develops quickly.
• Caffeine addiction of youth is considered a “gateway” addiction that can lead to search for other drugs that give a good “buzz”.
• Energy drinks are loaded with sugar and may also have other additives that are not always listed.
• It is advised that pregnant women, the elderly, and those under age 18 not consume energy drinks. 
• Energy drinks combined with alcohol enhance “drunkenness” and can be dangerous.  Some pre-combined beverages are gradually being discontinued.

In large amounts, caffeine can contribute towards nervousness, irritability, anxiety, muscle twitching, insomnia, headaches, and heart palpitations.  There is such a thing as caffeine intoxication and it can cause nausea and vomiting that can be difficult to control.  It is recommended that people have less than 400 mg. of caffeine a day.  Some energy drinks have 300 mg. of caffeine which puts you very close to the threshold without any other source of caffeine.  An 8 oz. cup of brewed coffee has about 133 mg. of caffeine. 

Still craving an energy drink?  There are alternatives and it is likely you could find an acceptable substitute.  If you are addicted to energy drinks or other sources of caffeine and want to “break the habit”, do so gradually to reduce withdrawal symptoms. 

More information on this topic is available at http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/714855 and http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=92940   

Health Department staff reminds you that Mother’s Day is May 9 and the start of National Women’s Health Week. This weeklong health observance empowers women to make their health a top priority. The theme is “It’s Your Time” which is meant to encourage women to take the simple steps for a longer, healthier, and happier life. Research has shown that when women take care of themselves, the health of their family improves. 

Here are some simple steps women can take to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases:

• Getting at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate physical activity, 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity, or a combination of both each week
• Eating a nutritious diet
• Visiting a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings
• Avoiding risky behaviors such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt
• Paying attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress

Mother’s Day is just the kickoff. Monday, May 10, is National Women’s Checkup Day and women are encouraged to schedule recommended checkups and screenings. There is also the Woman Challenge which is part of a year long Woman Activity Tracker program. 

Visit www.womenshealth.gov/whw to learn more about Women’s Health Week, take the Women’s Checkup Day Pledge, and register for the Woman Activity Tracker. That would be just the first step to a healthier, happier you.

Happy Mother's Day!

April 5-11, 2010 has been designated as National Public Health Week.  The goal of Public Health Week is to create "A Healthier America:  One Community at a Time".  All Americans are encouraged to do what they can to make America the "healthiest nation in one generation".

Take just a moment to appreciate all that Public Health does for everyone on a daily basis.  Americans enjoy clean air, clean water, immunizations, communicable disease control, restaurant inspections, tobacco control to name just some of the issues addressed by Public Health officials.

Public Health is not something to be taken for granted and it is up to all Americans to promote good  health in their communities.  Work with your friends and public officials to create access to clean and safe parks, safe routes to school so children can walk, creation of bike and walking trails, ready access to fresh fruits and vegetables either through community gardens or farmers markets.  All of these initiatives promote improved health.

And, don't forget, Americans as individuals can encourage good health by example.  Engage in healthy family activity and invite your friends (Turn off the TV!).  Eat more fruits and vegetables (French fries don't count!).  Maintain a healthy weight and don't use tobacco products.  Take advantage of immunization opportunities to protect yourself and the community from communicable disease.

Step-by-step and bit-by-bit, we can all contribute to a healthier America and accomplish it sooner rather than later.  Visit the following website to learn more about National Public Health Week:  www.nphw.org/nphw10/home1.htm

The North Shore Health Department has received special grant funding for 2010 that provides certain vaccines at a reduced cost for adults aged 19 or older.  For $15.00 each, the following vaccines are available:  Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis), HPV (human papillomavirus), MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B.  These vaccines are available by appointment (call 414-371-2980) or at all three monthly immunization clinics listed on the Health Department website www.browndeerwi.org/brown-deer-services.cfm.

Tdap:

Recent information suggests that only 2.1% of adults have had the Tdap vaccine which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).  It is recommended that every adult get one Tdap booster especially if they have contact with infants. 

It is very important that all parents, grandparents, and caregivers of newborns be vaccinated with Tdap to protect both themselves and the infant who is too young to be immunized.  Check out this site www.immunizationed.org/AnyPage.aspx  to hear what whooping cough sounds like and decide if you would like your child or grandchild to have the experience.  Protect your loved one now -- it's so easy!

Tdap is a one dose booster vaccine and can be given if your lasts tetanus shot was at least 2 years ago.  Boosters of plain tetanus vaccine are recommended every 10 years for life or after 5 years if you have had an injury.  Now is a good time to get protected before you start yard cleanup after the winter. 

HPV

The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has just been approved for boys and young men ages 9-26 and it is available at the North Shore Health Department.  In addition, young women between the ages of 18-26 can now get HPV vaccine through the Health Department.  The vaccine continues to be available to girls aged 9-18 as it was before.

HPV is a sexually transmsitted infection and the vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer and genital warts.  Unfortunately, only 10% of adult women have been immunized against HPV but it is estimated that 50% of sexually active adults will be infected at some point in their lives.

The HPV vaccine is given in a 3 dose series at a cost of $15.00 for each dose.  Visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-hpv.pdf to learn more about HPV.

Others

Immunizations for measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, Hepatitis A and B are also available for $15.00.  The pneumonia vaccine is available for $50.00.  It is recommended that all adults aged 65 and older get the pneumococcal vaccine.  In addition, anyone aged 2-64 who has a long-term health problem (heart or lung disease, diabetes, etc.) or has a reduced immune response should also get the pneumococcal vaccine.  Any adult aged 19-64 who smokes or has asthma should also be protected.

Learn all you can about vaccine preventable diseases.  So much illness could be avoided if everyone kept their immunizations current.  Please call the North Shore Health Department at 414-371-2980 if you have questions.

Friday, February 5, is "Go Red For Women" day and the whole month of February is American Heart Month.  Heart disease is the #1 killer of both men and women in the U.S. and is a major cause of disability.  In fact, an American will have a coronary event about every 25 seconds and about one will die every minute from one.  There are steps everyone can take to help reduce their chance of becoming a heart disease statistic.

The American Heart Association has set a new goal to focus on improving health factors and lifestyle behaviors.  The Heart Association has defined "ideal cardiovascular health" and identified seven health factors and lifestyle behaviors that support heart health.  These measures are called "Life's Simple 7" and are a simple step-by-step approach that will help everyone live a long, productive, healthy life -- something everyone would like to do.

These seven health measures that determine cardiovascular health are:

• Never smoked or quit more than one year ago
• Body mass index less than 25
• Physical activity of at least 150 minutes (moderate intensity) or 75 minutes (vigorous intensity) each week
• Four to five of the key components of a healthy diet consistent with current American Heart Association guideline recommendations
• Total cholesterol of less than 200
• Blood pressure below 120/80
• Fasting blood sugar less than 100

Take a few minutes and honestly assess your heart health.  If you have risk factors, your family will appreciate it if you would take steps to improve your health.  You can learn about "Life's SImple 7" at www.heart.org/MyLifeCheck.  The CDC also has very good information about how to prevent heart disease at www.cdc.gov/heartdisease.

Please remember to wear red on Friday, February 5, in support of heart health for women and help increase awareness of the importance of heart health for everyone.  Visit www.GoRedForWomen.org for a Go Red Heart Checkup.

National Influenza Vaccination Week is January 10-16, 2010 and the need for people to get immunized throughout the entire flu season is highlighted.  Flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and your family from the flu and its potentially severe complications.

This has been an unusual flu season with circulation of the H1N1 flu virus.  It is estimated that 47 million Americans have been infected with the H1N1 virus resulting in 213,000 hospitalizations and 9,820 deaths.  There have been 280 pediatric deaths which is three times what is seen in a typical flu season.  The H1N1 continues to hit children and young adults the hardest.

While the second wave of the H1N1 flu is waning, the future is uncertain and it is not known if there will be a thrid wave.  So, if you have not already done so, take the time now to protect yourself and your family.  The typical flu season ends in May so it is not too late.

At the present time there is plenty of vaccine, it is available to everyone, and it's a perfect time to get vaccinated.   If more people get vaccinated, it is less likely the disease will spread in coming months.

The next scheduled clinic for anyone who wants the H1N1 vaccination is:

 Wednesday, January 13

3:00 - 6:00 PM

Brown Deer Village Hall

4800 West Green Brook Drive

Brown Deer

If your child is under the age of 10 and needs a second dose of H1N1 vaccine, please come to the above clinic if it has been at least 28 days since the first dose.

PLEASE NOTE:

• If you have questions, please call the North Shore Health Department at 414-371-2980.  Please do not call the clinic site.
• Vaccine is available for as long as supplies last.  There is no cost for the H1N1 vaccine.
• Both injectable and nasal mist vaccine will be available.  The Health Department will determine which vaccine is appropriate for the person getting immunized. 
• A parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 18.

For more information about H1N1 flu, visit  www.cdc.gov/h1n1 or www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov.  

Due to the bad weather expected for tomorrow, Dec. 8., the North Shore Health Department has scheduled a second clinic for SEASONAL flu (not H1N1):

Tuesday, December 15

7:30 - 10:30 AM

Brown Deer Village Hall

4800 W. Green Brook Drive

Brown Deer

There is a cost of $30.00 for the seasonal flu shot.  If you have Medicare Part B, the Health Department can bill Medicare and there is no cost to you.  However, if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan such as Secure Horizon, Humana, Advantage Plus, etc., you must get your seasonal flu shot from your doctor.

A new shipment of H1N1 vaccine has been received and two additional H1N1 clinics have been scheduled for the general public:

Thursday, December 17

3:00 - 6:00 PM

Brown Deer Village Hall

4800 W. Green Brook Drive

Brown Deer

Tuesday, December 22

2:00 - 5:00 PM

Fox Point Police Department

7300 N. Santa Monica Blvd.

Parking available at North Shore Congregational Church

7330 N. Santa Monica Blvd.

If your child is under the age of 10 and needs a second dose of H1N1, please come to one of the above clinics if it has been at least 28 days since the first dose.  A parent or legal guardian must accompany all children under the age of 18. 

Please call the Health Department at 414-371-2980 if you have any questions.  Please do NOT call the clinic sites. 

Both types of vaccine are available and Health Department staff will determine which vaccine is appropriate.  Vaccine is available as long as supplies last and there is no charge for the H1N1 vaccine. 

It is not too late to get a flu shot for protection against the seasonal flu (not H1N1) which typically does not peak until January or later.  The North Shore Health Department  will get the last of its vaccine order sometime this week.  A clinic has been scheduled for the seasonal flu shot  for adults:

Wednesday, December 9

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Brown Deer Village Hall

4800 W. Green Brook Drive

Brown Deer

H1N1 vaccine will NOT be available at this clinic.  If you want an H1N1 flu shot, you can attend one of the H1N1 clinics that have been scheduled for the general public:  www.browndeerwi.org/brown-deer-services.cfm

Unlike the H1N1 flu, the seasonal flu causes more complications in people older than 65 years.  So take the time to protect yourself or the older people in your life. 

The cost of a seasonal flu shot is $30.00, cash or check.  If you have Medicare Part B, the Health Department can bill Medicare and there is no cost to you.  If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan such as Secure Horizon, Humana, Medicare Advantage, etc., you must get your flu shot from your doctor. 

If you have questions, call the North Shore Health Department at 414-371-2980.  Visit the following website for more information about seasonal flu:  www.cdc.gov/flu

The North Shore Health Department has scheduled two clinics for anyone who wants the H1N1 immunization:

Thursday, December 3

2:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Bavarian Inn

700 West Lexington Blvd.

Glendale

Saturday, December 5

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Brown Deer Village Hall

4800 West Green Brook Drive

Brown Deer

PLEASE NOTE:

• If you have any questions, please call the Health Department at 414-371-2980.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE CLINIC SITES.
• Vaccine is available for as long as supplies last.  There is no cost for the H1N1 vaccine.
• Both injectable and nasal mist vaccine will be available.  The Health Department will determine which vaccine is appropriate for individuals.
• A parent or guardian must accompany children under the age of 18.

For more information about the H1N1 flu, visit the CDC website at cdc.gov/h1n1flu or the Division of Public Health at pandemic.wisconsin.gov.

The North Shore Health Department has scheduled an H1N1 clinic for populations in the higher risk groups for severe disease as determined by the CDC and the State of Wisconsin.  This clinic is in collaboration with the Shorewood/Whitefish Bay Health Department.

The target groups for vaccination are based on vaccine availability and those most at risk.  As the vaccine supply increases, it is likely that the target groups will be expanded.  Please check frequently for updates as changes will be posted as they occur.

The clinic will be:

Thursday, November 19 from 3:00-7:00 PM

at the

Bavarian Inn, 700 West Lexington Blvd., Glendale

This clinic is for:

• Pregnant women
• Persons who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months of age
• Health care and certified emergency medical services personnel
• Children aged 6 months through 18 years
• Adults aged 18 through 64 who have a medical condition that puts them at higher risk for influenza-related complications; e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart disease

PLEASE NOTE:

• If you have questions, please call the North Shore Health Department at 414-371-2980.  PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE CLINIC SITE.
• Vaccine is available as long as supplies last and on a first come, first served basis.  There is no cost for the H1N1 vaccine.
• Both injectable and flu mist will be available.  The Health Department will decide which vaccine is most appropriate for the individual.
• Children under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

The North Shore Health Department has received a shipment of vaccine for children under age 3 and has scheduled an H1N1 flu clinic for children age 6 months through age 2 (under 36 months).  The clinic will be held at the Brown Deer Village Hall on Monday, November 9, from 2:00-5:00 PM. 

Baby doses of the H1N1 injectable vaccine are available for children 6 months--2 years or children age 2-3 who have a medical condition making them ineligible for the nasal mist and more vulnerable to severe illness.  All H1N1 clinics are scheduled based on vaccine availability and guidelines established by the CDC and the State of Wisconsin.  For this reason, others outside of this age group will not be able to be vaccinated at this particular clinic.  In addition, no other vaccines will be available at this clinic and H1N1 will be available as long as supplies last.

Vaccine shipments have been unpredictable which has made it very difficult to plan ahead in terms of scheduling clinics.  Vaccine for the general population will be offered as soon as more vaccine is available and the target groups are expanded. 

For more information about H1N1 flu, visit  www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or pandemic.wisconsin.gov.  You can also call the Health Department at 414-371-2980 if you have questions.

The North Shore Health Department will have an H1N1 Flu Immunization Clinic on Wednesday, November 4, from 3:30-6:30 PM.  The clinic will be held at the Fox Point Police Department, 7300 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Fox Point.  Parking is also available at the North Shore Congregational Church at 7330 N. Santa Monica Blvd.

Following CDC guidelines, this clinic is for the following people ONLY:

• Healthy Children Age 2-5
• Healthy People Under Age 50 Who Are Household Members and Caregivers of Children Under 6 Months of Age
• Healthy Healthcare Workers Under Age 50

This clinic will have NASAL MIST VACCINE ONLY.  It will be available as long as supplies last and we expect to have adequate supply for this clinic.  The Department does not have any injectable vaccine at this time.  No seasonal flu or other immunizations will be available at this clinic.

PLEASE NOTE:

The North Shore Health Department is following the most current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the State of Wisconsin regarding eligible target populations for the H1N1 vaccine.  We will offer vaccine to the general population as soon as more vaccine is available and we get the go-ahead from these authorities. 

The H1N1 vaccine is available at no cost. 

For more information about influenza visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or the State's website at www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov. 

There is such an abundance of information about the H1N1 flu.  It seems everywhere you turn there is something about it.  Keep in mind that it is important to keep informed about this rapidly changing situation.

Infection by the H1N1 virus is widespread across the United States, including Wisconsin.  There is more flu activity for this time of year than normal.  The Health Department is getting reports about student absences from local schools.

Fortunately, a vaccine for H1N1 has been developed and is becoming available in stages.  The Health Department is following the CDC guidelines and has begun immunizing emergency medical service personnel and healthcare workers.  School clinics are being tentatively scheduled for early November.  Clinics for the general public will be scheduled for some time later in November.

Unfortunately, all the planning is dependent upon vaccine delivery which is very unpredictable at present.  For example, not only have shipment dates been delayed, but the order received does not necessarily match the order that was placed.  In other words, we get what we get when we get it and have to make the best of it!

We have been getting many questions about the safety of the H1N1 vaccine.  The H1N1 vaccine is made the same way flu vaccine is made every year.  The only thing that is different is that the viral particle recognized by the immune system comes from the swine fu virus rather than the seasonal flu virus.  In fact, had the H1N1 flu surfaced earlier, it would have been included in this year's seasonal vaccine.

We have also heard that "November will be too late" to get the H1N1 vaccine.  This is most definitely not true.  Not everyone gets the flu at the same time and pandemic flu comes "in waves".  Even if 5-10% of the population has been infected, that still leaves up to 95% susceptible.  It is impossible to predict when the H1N1 flu will peak.

The good news is that the federal government is paying for your H1N1 flu shot and there is no cost to you if you get it through the Health Department.  Please stay tuned as clinics will be scheduled as soon as vaccine is received.

Check out the following websites for more information about both types of flu:  www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu       www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov

The North Shore Health Department has scheduled clinics for the Seasonal Flu.  Clinics for the H1N1 Pandemic Flu (Swine Flu) will be scheduled for late fall (probably November) after H1N1 vaccine is received from the federal government.

August is the perfect time to remind everyone to catch up on their vaccinations.  Children are starting school, older students are entering college, the flu season will soon be here.  Unfortunately, even in the U.S., children and adults alike die every year from vaccine preventable diseases.  Far too many people are complacent about these diseases and they may not understand that being protected from disease through vaccination is a lifelong process. 

Immunization is one of the most significant public health achievements of the 20th century.  Vaccines have eliminated some diseases and vastly reduced the number of cases of many others.  However, it is still important to remember that even though we don't often see some of these diseases, they still exist and can cause disease, disability, and death.  

Vaccines offer safe and effective protection from infectious diseases.  Yet vaccination rates are still below national target levels.  There is concern that some dangerous diseases will re-emerge in the U.S.  For example, cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been increasing since an all time low in 1981 and there was a significant outbreak in Wisconsin a few years ago. Pertussis is a bacterial disease that usually causes mild illness but can be deadly for infants who can be infected by unvaccinated adults.  It is now recommended that everyone get a Tdap booster between the ages of 11-64 years, especially if there is contact with infants. Tdap includes protection against pertussis as well as tetanus and diphtheria. 

Recent surveys suggest that few Americans know much about infectious diseases and, therefore, do not get vaccinated.  In addition, there is not a strong focus on prevention.  Young adults in particular do not have a strong knowledge base and the CDC is planning more innovative strategies for this population.  Increased vaccination rates would be one way to help control health care costs because it would result in less illness, complications, and hospitalizations. 

Another population group that should be concerned about immunizations is travelers.  Your risk of becoming ill while traveling depends in part on where you are traveling, the length of stay, activities while traveling, your health, and your vaccine history.  Immunization is one of the best forms of protection for all travelers.  Visit the CDC's Travelers' Health website at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel to learn more about which immunizations are recommended for your trip.

Please take the time to review your own and your family's vaccination history and get needed updates.  More information about vaccine and vaccine preventable disease is available at: 
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines      
http://www.nfid.org       
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/immunization               

According to the CDC, only 57.2% of adults are protected against tetanus.  It drops to only 44.1% for those over age 65.  This is surprising given the high fatality rate for the disease and the prevalence of the C. tetani bacteria in the environment.

The tetani bacteria produce spores that are very difficult to kill and are found in the soil and intestines and *** of horses, sheep, cattle, dogs, cats, rats, guinea pigs, and chickens.  The likelihood of tetanus is greatest following deep, dirty puncture wounds where there is little bleeding and an absence of oxygen.  But tetanus has also occurred following other injuries such as burns, scratches, slivers, animal bites, body piercing, and tattooing.  In recent years, minor wounds have caused more cases of tetanus than major wounds.  This is probably because more severe wounds are better managed. 

Almsot all reported cases of tetanus are in persons who either have never been vaccinated or who have not had a booster shot in the preceding 10 years.  The disease is fatal in about 18% of cases in people over age 60.  One or two cases are reported in Wisconsin each year.

So, when was your last booster?  If you have no idea, it is probably time for a tetanus shot.  Otherwise, check your medical records to be sure you are still protected.  A booster is recommended every 10 years -- after 5 if you suffer an injury.  The vaccine also protects against diphtheria, a rare but also dangerous disease.

The CDC recommends that everyone get a single booster dose of Tdap which protects against pertussis (whooping cough) in addition to tetanus and diphtheria.  The vaccine was developed after several pertussis outbreaks in recent years.  You can get this booster if it has been at least two years since your last tetanus shot.  This vaccine is particularly recommended for those who are in frequent contact with infants and children.

Both regular tetanus and Tdap vaccines are available at the Health Department.  The charge for adults is $15.00.  Call 371-2980 to schedule an appointment. 

For additional information about tetanus, visit: 
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd-vac/tetanus/default.htm;      
http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4220.pdf        
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/communicable/factsheets/Tetanus.htm