GCHD is making tetanus vaccine (Tdap) available at no cost to those who have not received a shot within the past ten years.
GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas – The Galveston County Health District (GCHD) is making tetanus vaccine (Tdap) available at no cost to those who have not received a shot within the past ten years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, floodwater exposure does not increase the risk for tetanus. However, those who have not received a tetanus shot in ten years should do so as a matter of routine healthcare.
“People who have received a tetanus shot within the past ten years are still protected, even if they were exposed to floodwaters,” said Dr. Philip Keiser, Galveston County Local Health Authority. “Those who are overdue should get a tetanus shot, especially if working on Harvey recovery projects that increase the risk for puncture wounds or cuts.”
Those who need the tetanus vaccine may get one at the GCHD Immunization Clinic, located at 9850-B Emmett F. Lowry Expressway in Texas City weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Clinic hours are extended to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays.
GCHD will also make the vaccine available at the following locations:
- Thursday, September 7: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., League City Harvey Relief Distribution Center (old Kroger), located at 176 Gulf Freeway in League City
- Friday, September 8: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., League City Harvey Relief Distribution Center (old Kroger), located at 176 Gulf Freeway in League City
- Saturday, September 9: 9 a.m. to noon, Friendswood ISD Boardroom, located at 402 Laurel Drive in Friendswood
People who need the vaccine should bring their shot records to the clinic, if available. GCHD staff will also have access to the State of Texas immunization database, ImmTrac, to determine if a person needs the vaccine.
“The Galveston County Health District is happy to offer this service,” Keiser continued. “However, we want people to understand that another tetanus shot is not needed if you’ve had one within the past ten years.”
Anyone who has not had a tetanus shot within ten years and suffers a puncture wound or cut should seek immediate medical attention. A medical professional should evaluate any wound with redness, swelling or drainage.
For more information about tetanus and other Harvey-related health and safety topics, visit www.gchd.org/harvey.
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Scott Packard
Director of Communications
Galveston County Health District
409-938-2211 (o)
409-392-0007 (c)