According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 53 percent of American adults are not adequately immunized against tetanus. During the clean up after Hurricane Ike, residents need to protect themselves against Tetanus and Diphtheria, two serious and potentially fatal infectious diseases caused by bacteria entering through a break in the skin. Tetanus shots are good for 10 years, however, any adult who cannot remember the last time they were vaccinated for tetanus should get immunized as soon as possible.

As residents return to Galveston, Randalls pharmacy will conduct tetanus vaccination clinics at the Galveston Randalls located at 2931 Central City Avenue, from Wednesday, September 24 until Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. After September 27 and during non-clinic hours, Galveston residents needing a tetanus shot can walk-in to the pharmacy during normal business hours.

In addition, all Randalls pharmacies will provide diabetic patients with a free diabetic meter to replace lost or damaged meters from the hurricane starting on Wednesday, September 24. Patients can stop by the pharmacy to pick up a meter during normal pharmacy hours.