Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department conducts tetanus clinics | Events

Franklin County and Williamson County, IL (KFVS) -  A walk-in tetanus clinic will be offered at both Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Department locations on Wednesday, May 18.

One clinic is located at 8160 Express Drive in Marion, Ill. and the other is located at 403 East Park Street in Benton, Ill. The clinics will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and  p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

The vaccine is available for those affected by flood waters, although the clinic says not everyone may need a dose at this time. Officials said people may need a dose if they were exposed to flood waters and:

• You are an adult who has not received tetanus containing vaccine in the last 10 years
• You are a child who has not completed the tetanus series or is behind on routine immunizations
• You are a teen or adult with a wound exposed to flood waters that has not had tetanus containing vaccine in the last five years

For those who have not had contact with flood waters and need a tetanus booster, you can call the health department and make an appointment at 618-439-0951 or 618-993-8111. You can also visit the health department website for more information.

According to the health department, tetanus is caused by a poison produced by a germ that enters the body through a cut, wound or any break in the skin, even a tiny cut or puncture. Tetanus causes serious, painful spasms of all muscles and can lead to "locking" of the jaw, which can keep a person from opening the mouth, swallowing, breathing or moving.

Tetanus germs are found everywhere, but usually in soil, dust and the intestines/feces of several household and farm animals, as well as humans. Tetanus is not spread from person to person.

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