The Power of 10

Medical Director,
National Foundation for Infectious Diseases Susan Rehm, MD

Like millions of Americans, do-it-yourself home renovation projects are a hobby of mine. As a homeowner, I understand the demanding preparation these projects require and the sense of pride that follows completion.

However, as a doctor, I urge you to safeguard your family's health before undertaking these kinds of activities. Make sure all family members are up-to-date on the tetanus booster. Preventive vaccination is essential, since many home renovation projects involve the use of materials or tools where tetanus bacteria commonly gather.

Tetanus bacteria are everywhere in our environment, both indoors and out, and can enter the body through the smallest injuries. This includes cuts, scrapes, even splinters. In fact, between 1998 and 2000, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) statistics show that nearly half of the injuries resulting in tetanus infection took place indoors or at home.

To reduce the risk of tetanus infections, the Power of 10 education campaign encourages adults and adolescents to stay up-to-date with a booster vaccine every 10 years. Unfortunately, CDC studies show that more than half of adults 20 years of age and older are not protected against tetanus and diphtheria, another potentially fatal infectious disease. The booster prevents against both diseases, since tetanus and diphtheria vaccination needs to be maintained every 10 years.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your family's vaccination status, and stay up-to-date with the tetanus-diphtheria booster vaccine. To find out more, visit the various links in the Power of 10 section. Learn how to protect your family from tetanus and diphtheria.

The Power of 10 campaign was made possible by an unrestricted educational grant to the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases from sanofi pasteur.