Flood Information

IDPH News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 12, 2008

IDPH Addresses Flood-Related Health Concerns

Tetanus booster shots not always necessary

During times of flooding, people are often concerned about receiving a booster 
dose of tetanus-containing vaccine. The need for tetanus vaccination during flood 
recovery depends upon individual circumstances. The same recommendations that 
apply at any other time also apply during a flood. “There is generally no need for 
mass tetanus immunization programs during flooding, and it is not a standard 
recommendation,” said Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) Deputy Medical 
Director Dr. Kenneth Soyemi. 

Individuals are generally advised to receive a routine tetanus booster dose every 
ten years. People who are cut or injured and have not received, or are unsure if 
they have received a tetanus vaccine within the last five years, should receive 
a booster dose of vaccine. 

“Outbreaks of communicable diseases after floods are rare,” said IDPH Director 
Tom Newton. “Increases in infectious diseases that were not present in a community 
before the flood are usually not a problem after a flood.” IDPH and the Centers 
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) performed a statewide public health 
assessment after the 1993 Iowa floods. It was determined there were no outbreaks 
of diarrhea disease or waterborne illness related to the flooding. 

The greater health threat comes from carbon monoxide poisoning (due to the indoor 
use of gasoline-powered generators), electrocution, wound infections, hypothermia 
and worsening of chronic illnesses.

For information about flood-related health issues, visit www.idph.state.ia.us and 
look under “Topics of Interest” for flood information.