First Responders, Floods and Immunizations

4/25/2019 (Permalink)

There are specific immunizations that are crucial to have when you are going to be exposed to flood waters and possibly ill people.

Are you a first responder? If so, it is likely that you will be involved in an emergency flood situation in Johnson City, TN at some point in the future, if you have not been already. There are specific immunizations that are crucial to have when you are going to be exposed to flood waters and possibly ill people - keep reading to learn which ones you need, and which ones you do not need.

Vaccines That Are Not Required

The following vaccines are generally not required for first responders working within the continental United States:

• Rabies
• Cholera
• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid
• Meningococcal

There are different requirements for those working outside of the U.S., but you should be well enough protected in the U.S. as long as you have received the following two vaccines.

Hepatitis B

Any first responder who could be in contact with bodily fluids or caring for sick or injured people as part of a flood response team should receive a Hepatitis B vaccine. If you are certain that you are highly unlikely to come into contact with individuals or bodily fluids, this is not a requisite immunization, but it is still a good idea to arm yourself against Hepatitis B.

Tetanus

First responders who have not had a tetanus vaccine within the past ten years need to have boosters, according to CDC guidelines. Every adult should receive at least one booster during their lifetime - regardless of their profession. Tetanus immunization proof is generally not a strict requirement for first responders, though it is preferred by many employers. Either a tetanus/diphtheria or a tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine is typically sufficient.

Other Considerations

Remember that there are other situations that could arise that require different vaccinations, such as working with a storm damage restoration team or being in contact with animals. Always talk with your employer and your physician before making any final decisions about what immunizations you should get as a first responder.