Vaccines Against Tetanus: Key Post-Flood Prevention
4.10.2024
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2 minutes
Heavy rains have led to dramatic flooding, destroying local healthcare facilities, among other things. Residents in these areas, affected by both material losses and difficult sanitary conditions, urgently needed support, especially medical assistance. Keeping in mind the scale of the destruction and lack of access to basic necessities, we, the Polish Medical Mission, initiated relief efforts.
We reached out with help to towns such as Stronie Śląskie and Lądek-Zdrój, where some medical points survived. In order to support the healthcare centers essential for residents, we delivered painkillers, anti-inflammatory medications, anti-nausea drugs, as well as essential disinfection supplies and specialized dressings. We also purchased blood pressure monitors and glucometers to help professionally monitor the health status and medical needs of individuals in these areas. We are focusing on supporting needy patients to minimize the risk of disease spread.
A significant threat to individuals dealing with the aftermath of the floods are diseases that can spread in such circumstances. Among them is tetanus. Due to the unhygienic conditions during the cleanup of flooded locations, there is a high risk of contracting it – says Norbert Kwiatkowski, coordinator of the PMM Emergency Medical Team project.
On September 29, we organized vaccinations for those affected by the flood who were at risk of contracting tetanus. The medical staff conducted them in a medical tent at Primary School No. 2 named after J. Wybicki in Głuchołazy. As part of the campaign, we vaccinated 172 individuals.
Tetanus is a severe and life-threatening bacterial disease that can be contracted through contact with contaminated soil or objects, which are abundant in the flood zone. Tetanus can be prevented through quick and simple vaccination.
In the future, we plan to continue our efforts by organizing additional vaccination campaigns in collaboration with crisis response teams in Głuchołazy and Lądek-Zdrój, as local needs are reported. Our medical teams, closely cooperating with local healthcare professionals and organizations, monitor the situation continuously. These efforts aim not only to ensure access to necessary medical care but also to provide long-term support for residents in their recovery and return to normal life.
