Orange Public Health offers Tdap shots for flood victims, workers

Orange County Public Health, 2014 10th St., Orange, will begin administering public Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) vaccines Thursday, March 24 from 7 am-7 pm and Friday, March 25, fro 7 am-3 pm.

Outbreaks of communicable diseases after floods are unusual. However, the rates of diseases that were present before a flood may increase because of decreased sanitation or overcrowding among displaced persons. Increases in infectious diseases that were not present in the community before the flood are not usually a problem. If you receive a puncture wound or a wound contaminated with feces, soil, or saliva, have a doctor or health department determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary based on individual records.

Specific recommendations for vaccinations should be made on a case-by-case basis, or as determined by local and state health departments.

Citizens should contact their local healthcare provider for specific questions or concerns.

More information is available on the CDC website http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/after.asp