Fallen trees, branches, and other debris after the recent storm have many area residents out cleaning up their yards and neighborhoods. The Allen County Health Department is issuing a reminder to all residents to be sure that they are up- to-date on their tetanus vaccination.

"The tetanus vaccine may be recommended for anyone who has received a puncture wound, scratch or scrape that breaks the skin, or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva during storm clean up," states Becky Dershem, Director of Nursing. It is recommended that if a person suffers a cut or wound 5 years or more after the previous dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine (Td or Tdap), a booster injection should be given. People who have been injured should have their wound and immunization history evaluated by their family doctor to see if they need a tetanus shot.

The best way to protect yourself from a tetanus infection is to make sure that you are up-to-date with immunizations before disasters occur. Adults need to have a tetanus-containing vaccine every 10 years. The Health Department advises residents to check with their family doctor to be sure that they have had the vaccine within this time frame.

For more information, contact Deb Roberts, RN, at the Allen County Health Department, 419-228-4457.