Cape County health center urges vaccines for flood workers, opens animal shelter

The Cape Girardeau County Public Health Center on Friday urged anyone helping out with the flood fight to receive a tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis vaccination and announced the opening of an emergency animal shelter.

According to a health center news release, the center has received extra doses of the vaccine, which should be administered to "individuals who are filling sand bags, removing debris or cleaning up after flooding." These people are more prone to puncture wounds and hence possible infection.

The health center also recommends that people receive a tetanus booster if they haven't had one in the past 10 years.

Call 335-7846 to make arrangements to get a vaccine.

The health center also announced the opening of an emergency animal shelter to accommodate pets from households displaced by floodwaters. The Humane Society of Southeast Missouri has partnered with the health center to operate the shelter, which "falls under the auspices of the Cape Girardeau County Medical Reserve Corps," according to a news release.

Volunteers are needed beginning today through May 1. Currently the shelter is being staffed from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. The shelter may be open after May 1 if needed.

To volunteer call 573-335-7846 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or (573) 450-9546 or (573) 270-3086 after 4:30 p.m.