Health Department Offers Free Tetanus Shots for Tornado Victims and Relief Workers

The St. Louis County Department of Health is offering free tetanus booster shots to those who have been exposed to the damage of homes and property as a result of the Good Friday storms and tornados that occurred April 22. 

“The tornadoes have left behind more than just damage and destruction.  They have also increased the risk for tetanus,” Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health said. “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 a.m. to 9 p.m. On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, the center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 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 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Wednesday and Thursday, its hours are 8 a.m. to 9 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. 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, 111 South Meramec Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105, Mon - Fri; 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Saint Louis County Health Department - , Village Square Shopping Center, 21 Village Square Drive, Hazelwood, Missouri 63042, Mon - Fri; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Saint Louis County Health Department - South County Satellite Office, Keller Plaza, 4562 Lemay Ferry Road, Saint Louis, Missouri 63129, Mon - Fri; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Saint Louis County Health Department - West County Satellite Office, Clarkson Wilson Centre, 78 Clarkson Centre, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, Mon - Fri; 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

For more information, please visit the Department of Health website.