Because tetanus is such a serious disease, almost all babies in the United States receive three immunizations against it during their first year. Before entering school, at age five or six, children are given a tetanus booster immunization. Ten years later, when students are fifteen or sixteen, schools require that they obtain another tetanus booster. Thereafter, it needs to be repeated every ten years. If you are around twenty five and don't remember getting a tetanus immunization lately, you probably need one.
Tetanus immunizations are memorable because they usually cause a sore arm.
Diphtheria is a bacterial disease primarily involving the nose and throat and is transmissible by close contact from person to person. It can interfere with breathing, cause skin rash, and cause heart failure and paralysis. About one person out of ten who contracts diphtheria actually dies from it. Tetanus and diphtheria immunizations should be delayed if you are ill with something more than a cold. Call them at 277-3136 for more information.