10 years later... Are you due for a tetanus booster?

(Photo courtesy of Mary Marx)

2018 marks the 10-year anniversary of the 2008 flood in Decorah. One aspect of the anniversary that you might not realize is that the 10-year mark may mean you are due for a tetanus vaccine

In the aftermath of the devastating flood of 2008, many people affected by the flood received a tetanus booster vaccine to prevent the bacteria-caused disease. Ten years later, these same people are due for another booster to continue their immunity from tetanus. Adults need a tetanus booster every 10 years

Winneshiek Medical Center Decorah Clinic and Urgent Care provider John Evelsizer Olson says, "Children receive the vaccine for tetanus as part of their regular immunization schedule. However, unless adults schedule annual physicals or receive regular primary care and we are able to help monitor their immunization needs, patients may be behind on their vaccinations."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports limited numbers of tetanus cases each year, but of those cases, most are in adults who have not stayed current on 10-year tetanus booster vaccines.