The Lincoln County Health Department will be offering Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Acellular Pertussis Vaccine (Tdap) to those living in Lincoln County who may need it.
Tdap vaccine is recommended as a one-time booster to all individuals age 11 years and older, including the elderly. It is recommended individuals pregnant receive a dose of Tdap with each pregnancy, preferably during 27 and 36 weeks gestation.
Due to the number of residents needing the Tdap vaccine, the Lincoln County Health Department will be offering walk-in Tdap clinics. The clinics will be held at the Lincoln County Health Department (607 N. Sales St., Merrill) the 2nd Tuesday of the month starting in February and going through April. Times of the clinic will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. No appointment is needed, while supplies last. The cost is $5.
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is caused by a toxin (poison) produced by bacteria. Tetanus is different from other vaccine-preventable diseases in that it is not spread from person to person. The bacteria are usually found in soil, dust and manure and enter the body through breaks in the skin. This ranges from deep puncture wounds to small cuts to even splinters.
Diphtheria is an infection caused by bacteria. It is spread person to person. When the bacteria that cause diphtheria enter the lungs, they produce a poison that can cause weakness, sore throat, fever, and swollen glands in the neck.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) is a bacterial disease affecting the respiratory tract and is spread by coughing, often through repeated face-to-face contact.
For more information on the Tdap vaccine or to check your immunization record, contact Mindy Schwarz at the Lincoln County Health Department at 715-536-0307, visit htp://lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com/; or on Facebook.