House Calls of Eagle River
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Have You Had Your Tetanus Booster?
Adult Immunizations
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Immunizations for adults are as important as they are for our children. Tetanus and diphtheria are the two components of the tetanus booster. This booster should be given every 10 years in order to remain effective. With some wounds, cuts and punctures especially if they're very dirty, your health care provider may have you get your booster early. Tetanus, an organism that can be found in dirt wherever there are plants and animals, is fatal in over 10 percent of infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control, diphtheria is known to be fatal to between 5 and 10 percent of people who become infected.
In 1975, there was a diphtheria outbreak in Alaska that included 11 cases including one death. Fifty years before that in Nome, there was an outbreak of diphtheria. The Iditarod Sled dog race commemorates the sled dog relay from Nenana to Nome that rushed the life-saving serum to those in need.
According to the state health department, there have been no cases of tetanus or diphtheria since 1983 in Alaska. The effectiveness of our school immunization program is primarily responsible for constraining these threats. Additionally, every 10 years since the 1975 outbreak, there has been a statewide booster campaign for adult immunizations. During these booster campaigns, the tetanus/diphtheria vaccine is made available to Alaska healthcare providers at no cost. This allows your clinician to provide you with the vaccine for no more than a minimal administrative charge.
"2005 the year of the booster" is one of those adult immunization campaigns. There is still time for you to take advantage of this year's campaign. If it's been 10 years or more since you last had a tetanus/diphtheria shot, now is the time.
Other adult vaccinations include a vaccination for pneumococcal disease, recommended beginning at age 55 with a booster every six years. Influenza vaccine should be given to all adults, beginning at age 50 on a yearly basis whenever there is an adequate supply of the vaccine.
For more information about adult vaccines, please contact your healthcare provider or the state or local health departments.
Fredrick G. May
Physician Assistant, Certified
HOUSE CALLS OF EAGLE RIVER
696-5246
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