Less than half of Canadian Adults have not received a tetanus booster in the past ten years, and that number is even higher for adults over 65.
Also, according to a recent Canadian Adult National Immunization Coverage Survey, numbers are only slightly better for Health Care Workers.
Those results are cause for concern and has Grey Bruce Health Unit officials sending out a tetanus shot reminder.
Public Health Nurse in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program Jody Kroeplin says the warning also coincides with the arrival of warmer weather.
She says prior to gardening or starting work around the house, be sure to get your tetanus shot.
Those activities are considered “high risk” if you haven’t received your booster shot in the past 10 years.
Tetanus affects the central nervous system and can lead to long-term health problems if not guarded against.
Kroeplin says it’s easy to forget you need your tetanus shot every 10 years but it’s as simple as calling the Health Unit or you family doctor to protect yourself.
The Public Health Unit offers immunization clinics in Owen Sound, Walkerton and the Plex in Port Elgin.
