Indiana sends tetanus vaccine to Kansas

Sunday, May 13, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana has sent 3,000 doses of tetanus vaccine to Kansas in response to severe storms that hit the state last weekend that resulted in damaging tornadoes and flooding.

Several other states, including California, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin, also have sent aid.

Tetanus is a serious concern after tornadoes, flooding, and other natural disasters. It can enter the body through an injury, whether during the storms or during rescue and recovery, and can be life threatening if not treated.

‘‘This crisis and the response from Indiana and other states show how everyone benefits when states work together,'' said State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe. ‘‘After all, public health has no borders.''

The Indiana State Department of Health was contacted by the director of the Kansas Immunization Program, who requested Indiana send as many doses as possible from its stockpile. The vaccines arrived in Kansas on Tuesday.

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