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County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced today that free tetanus vaccines will be offered to first responders, residents and anyone who has been involved with cleanup after Super Storm Sandy.
“To protect against tetanus, the Westchester County Health Department, along with New York Medical College and Hudson Valley Hospital, will provide free Tdap vaccines at several locations starting tomorrow,” Astorino said. “I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity to safeguard your health.”
People who removed debris from homes, parks, roads, treatment plants and other critical facilities after the storm could be vulnerable to tetanus.
“Tetanus is a serious infection caused by bacteria present in dust, soil and manure,” said Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. “The bacteria can enter your body through a puncture cut or wound and this vaccine provides protection.”
New York Medical College physicians and alumni, in collaboration with the health department, will give the vaccines Friday, Nov. 9 at the South Salem Firehouse, 1190 Route 35, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Westchester County health department nurses will give the free vaccines as follows:
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Nov. 9 through 11: Westchester County Center, White Plains, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Little Theater, in coordination with the FEMA Disaster Recovery Center.
Hudson Valley Hospital will give the vaccines to first responders only as follows:
Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Nov. 12 through 14, 9 a.m. to 2 p .m.
Hudson Valley Hospital Center, employee health center, 1st floor, main lobby, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The health department also will offer the free vaccine in White Plains and Yonkers during regular health department clinic hours as follows:
Westchester County Health Department Clinic, 134 Court St, 1st Floor, White Plains
Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. starting Nov. 15, and Mondays, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (except on Veteran’s Day).
Westchester County Health Department Clinic, 20 South Broadway, 2nd floor,
Yonkers:
Fridays, 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Mondays, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (except on Veteran’s Day).
For more information about Tdap and other health topics, go to www.westchestergov.com/health; like us at www.facebook.com/wchealthdept or follow us on Twitter @wchealthdept.
