Saint Louis County, MO - (April 28, 2011) - The Saint Louis County Department of Health is offering free tetanus booster shots to those who have been exposed to the damage of homes and property caused by the tornado on April 22nd.
"The tornadoes have left behind more than just damage and destruction. They have also increased the risk for tetanus," said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health. "Fortunately, tetanus vaccine is readily available and should be considered by anyone involved in storm cleanup."
The health department recommends that cleanup workers be sure they are up to date on their tetanus shots before handling rusty nails and other metal lying on the ground. Tetanus booster shots are recommended for anyone who suffers an open wound or puncture wound during cleanup or who has not had a tetanus booster in the last ten years.
Tetanus - also called Lockjaw - is caused by bacteria that can enter the body through cuts or breaks in the skin. Tetanus can also pose a threat in flooding situations when debris and contaminated water increase the risk should an open wound be exposed.
Booster shots for tetanus are available at both North Central Community Health Center and South County Health Center.
The South County Health Center is located at 4580 South Lindbergh Boulevard in Sunset Hills. Its hours on Monday and Tuesday are from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. On Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Individuals wanting additional information should call 314-615-0400.
The North Central Community Health Center is located at 4000 Jennings Station Road in Pine Lawn. Its hours on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. On Wednesday and Thursday, its hours are 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information about that facility, individuals should call 314-679-7800.
Before using any water from a well following a flood, it is important to make sure that the water has not been contaminated. DO NOT USE WELL WATER UNLESS YOU ARE SURE IT IS SAFE. Free well water testing kits for private wells will be available at the following County Health Department offices during the following days and hours for those residents who live in an area affected by any flooding:
Saint Louis County Health Department - Main Office111 South Meramec Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105Monday - Friday; 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Saint Louis County Health Department - North County Satellite Office Village Square Shopping Center21 Village Square Drive (off Dunn Road) Hazelwood, Missouri 63042Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saint Louis County Health Department - South County Satellite OfficeKeller Plaza4562 Lemay Ferry Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63129Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Saint Louis County Health Department - West County Satellite Office, Clarkson Wilson Centre78 Clarkson Centre (off Clarkson Road) Chesterfield, Missouri 63017Monday - Friday; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For more information, please visit the Department of Health website at:www.stlouisco.com/HealthandWellness/Health/FloodFAQ |
