Health Department

Metro Health Department Sees Decline Among Residents Seeking Tetanus Vaccine at Disaster Information Centers

Health Department to End Tetanus Shots at Five Disaster Information Centers

Will Offer Free Tetanus Shots at Three Metro Health Department Centers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Metro Public Health Department officials today announced they will stop offering tetanus shots at the five Disaster Information Centers after seeing a decline among residents seeking the vaccine. The Health Department will continue to offer free tetanus shots at its three Health Centers.

Nashville residents and volunteers cleaning up after the recent flooding should not be concerned about the risk of tetanus from floodwaters, and should not delay participating in the clean up efforts because of not having a tetanus shot.

Exposure to flood waters does not increase a risk for tetanus infection according to officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Tennessee Department of Health. According to CDC, there has never been a diagnosed case of tetanus related to floods or flood cleanup in the United States. The potential for exposure to tetanus typically occurs through a deep cut or puncture wound. Those who experience a dirty cut or puncture wound should consult their health care provider. If it has been over five years since your last dose, you may need a tetanus booster.

The Health Department will offer free tetanus shots at the following locations:

Metro Public Health Department Locations:

Lentz Health Center (Fast Track Clinic)
Auditorium
311 23rd Avenue North
8 a.m. 4 p.m. Monday - Friday

East Health Center
1015 East Trinity Lane
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday

Woodbine Health Center
224 Oriel Avenue
8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday – Friday

Davidson County residents with questions about tetanus shots should call the Health Department at (615) 340-5667.