The current recommendation for adults is a tetanus booster every 10 years.  For children, the CDC recommends a series of four shots to be given between 2 and 18 months, a booster shot at 4-6 years of age and another by 12; however, the vaccine is available for children that are older AND adults that have not had their vaccines or that are unsure of their vaccination status at the Immunization Clinic of the Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District for the following fees:

Td (Tetanus Only) Children:

• In-Network: The Health District will file to your insurance per dose (Please check with your insurance carrier to determine coverage)
• Out-of-Network: $59 per dose (You may also check with your health care provider and insurance for in-network locations that have the MMR Vaccine)
• No Insurance: Fee ranges from $10 to $54 per dose- Children with no insurance pay on a sliding scale based on income, how many people are in the family, and how many vaccines are needed with the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) Program.

Td (Tetanus Only) Adults:

• In-Network: The Health District will file to your insurance per dose (Please check with your insurance carrier to determine coverage)
• Out-of-Network: $59 per dose (You may also check with your health care provider and insurance for in-network locations that have the MMR Vaccine)
• No Insurance: $25 per dose under the Adult Safety Net (ASN) Program

TDap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Children:

• In-Network: The Health District will file to your insurance per dose (Please check with your insurance carrier to determine coverage)
• Out-of-Network: $62 per dose (You may also check with your health care provider and insurance for in-network locations that have the MMR Vaccine)
• No Insurance: Fee ranges from $10 to $54 per dose- Children with no insurance pay on a sliding scale based on income, how many people are in the family, and how many vaccines are needed with the Texas Vaccines for Children (TVFC) Program.

TDap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Adults:

• In-Network: The Health District will file to your insurance per dose (Please check with your insurance carrier to determine coverage)
• Out-of-Network: $62 per dose (You may also check with your health care provider and insurance for in-network locations that have the MMR Vaccine)
• No Insurance: $25 per dose under the Adult Safety Net (ASN) Program

Immunizations Clinic Hours and Location

Monday-Thursday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Friday 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Late Immunizations Clinic open until 5:30 pm, the fourth Monday of each month

Wichita Falls-Wichita County Public Health District

1700 3rd Street, Wichita Falls, TX 76301

Be Prepared for Emergencies:

• Make sure you have appliance thermometers in your refrigerator and freezer.
  • Check to ensure that the freezer temperature is at or below 0 °F, and the refrigerator is at or below 40 °F.
  • In case of a power outage, the appliance thermometers will indicate the temperatures in the refrigerator and freezer to help you determine if the food is safe.
• Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator, or coolers in case the power goes out. If your normal water supply is contaminated or unavailable, the melting ice will also supply drinking water.
• Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk, and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately. This helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.
• Group food together in the freezer. This helps the food stay cold longer.
• Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerated food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours.
• Purchase or make ice cubes in advance and store in the freezer for use in the refrigerator or in a cooler. Freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers.
• Check out local sources to know where dry ice and block ice can be purchased, just in case.
• Store food on shelves that will be safely out of the way of contaminated water in case of flooding.
• Make sure to have a supply of bottled water stored where it will be as safe as possible from flooding.

When Flooding Occurs - Keep Water Safe:

• Use bottled water that has not been exposed to flood waters if it is available.
• If you don’t have bottled water, you should boil water to make it safe. Boiling water will kill most types of disease-causing organisms that may be present.
  • If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths, or allow it to settle and then draw off the clear water for boiling.
  • Boil the water for one minute, let it cool, and store it in clean containers with covers.
• If you can’t boil water, you can disinfect it using household bleach. Bleach will kill some, but not all, types of disease-causing organisms that may be in the water.
  • If the water is cloudy, filter it through clean cloths, or allow it to settle and then draw off the clear water for disinfection.
  • Add 1/8 teaspoon (or 8 drops) of regular, unscented, liquid household bleach per each gallon of water. Stir it well and let it stand for at least 30 minutes before you use it.
  • Store disinfected water in clean containers with covers.
• If you have a well that has been flooded, the water should be tested and disinfected after flood waters recede. If you suspect that your well may be contaminated, contact your local or state health department or agricultural extension agent for specific advice.

When Flooding Occurs - Keep Food Safe:

• Do not eat any food that may have come into contact with flood water.
• Discard any food that is not in a waterproof container if there is any chance that it has come into contact with flood water.
  • Food containers that are not waterproof include those with screw-caps, snap lids, pull tops, and crimped caps.
  • Also discard cardboard juice/milk/baby formula boxes and home canned foods if they have come in contact with flood water, because they cannot be effectively cleaned and sanitized.
• Inspect canned foods and discard any food in damaged cans. Can damage is shown by swelling, leakage, punctures, holes, fractures, extensive deep rusting, or crushing/denting severe enough to prevent normal stacking or opening with a manual, wheel-type can opener.
• Undamaged, commercially prepared foods in all-metal cans and “retort pouches” (like flexible, shelf-stable juice or seafood pouches) can be saved if you follow this procedure:
  • Remove the labels, if they are the removable kind, since they can harbor dirt and bacteria.
  • Brush or wipe away any dirt or silt.
  • Thoroughly wash the cans or retort pouches with soap and water, using hot water if it is available. Rinse the cans or retort pouches with water that is safe for drinking, if available, since dirt or residual soap will reduce the effectiveness of chlorine sanitation.
• Sanitize cans and retort pouches by immersion in one of the two following ways:

  — Place in water and allow the water to come to a boil and continue boiling for 2 minutes, or

  — Place in a freshly-made solution consisting of 1 tablespoon of unscented liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available) for 15 minutes.

  • Air dry cans or retort pouches for a minimum of 1 hour before opening or storing.

  • If the labels were removable, then re-label your cans or retort pouches, including the expiration date (if available), with a marking pen.

  • Food in reconditioned cans or retort pouches should be used as soon as possible thereafter.

  • Any concentrated baby formula in reconditioned, all-metal containers must be diluted with clean drinking water.

• Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes, and utensils (including can openers) with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse, and then sanitize them by boiling in clean water or immersing them for 15 minutes in a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available).

• Thoroughly wash countertops with soap and water, using hot water if available. Rinse, and then sanitize by applying a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per gallon of drinking water (or the cleanest, clearest water available). Allow to air dry.

When the Power Goes Out:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.

— The refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened.

— A full freezer will keep the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) if the door remains closed.

— Buy dry or block ice to keep the refrigerator as cold as possible if the power is going to be out for a prolonged period of time. Fifty pounds of dry ice should hold an 18 cubic foot, fully-stocked freezer cold for two days.

• If you plan to eat refrigerated or frozen meat, poultry, fish or eggs while it is still at safe temperatures, it’s important that each item is thoroughly cooked to its proper temperature to assure that any foodborne bacteria that may be present are destroyed. However, if at any point the food was above 40 ºF for 2 hours or more — discard it.
• Wash fruits and vegetables with water from a safe source before eating.
• For infants, try to use prepared, canned baby formula that requires no added water. When using concentrated or powdered formulas, prepare with bottled water if the local water source is potentially contaminated.

Once Power is Restored:

• If an appliance thermometer was kept in the freezer, check the temperature when the power comes back on. If the freezer thermometer reads 40 °F or below, the food is safe and may be refrozen.
• If a thermometer has not been kept in the freezer, check each package of food to determine its safety. You can’t rely on appearance or odor. If the food still contains ice crystals or is 40 °F or below, it is safe to refreeze or cook.
• Refrigerated food should be safe as long as the power was out for no more than 4 hours and the refrigerator door was kept shut. Discard any perishable food (such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs or leftovers) that has been above 40 °F for two hours or more.

Keep in mind that perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs that are not kept adequately refrigerated or frozen may cause illness if consumed, even when they are thoroughly cooked. WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!

Are mosquitoes a concern in flooding?

After a flood we anticipate an increase in the mosquito population.  Many mosquito species specifically lay their eggs in low lying areas in anticipation of flooding. Other mosquito species will take advantage of the abundant water sources to breed as well.  You should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites before during and after a flood.

What is the city/county doing to mitigate the mosquito problem?

Our vector control workers are closely monitoring the mosquito situation.  If we do have a large increase in adult mosquitoes then we will spray, however we cannot spray while it is actively raining or if the winds are greater than 10mph.  We will also try to time the spraying to be when the mosquitoes are most active.

How can I protect myself against mosquitoes?

You should wear an EPA approved insect repellent such as DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, 2-undecanone, Para-menthane-diol, or IR3535.  ALWAYS follow the label directions for information on appropriate use and reapplication rates.  Some repellents (like those containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus) should not be used on children under the age of 3.  

Infants under 6 months of age should not use insect repellent.  Mosquito netting or other physical barriers are recommended for infants.

What about Permethrin?

Permethrin is a repellent and insecticide. Certain products containing permethrin are recommended for use on clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear. Permethrin-treated products repel and kill ticks, mosquitoes, and other arthropods. These products continue to repel and kill insects after several washings. Permethrin should be reapplied following the label instructions.

What do I do with my septic system after the flood?

Once floodwaters have receded, there are several things homeowners should remember:

• Do not compact the soil over the soil absorption field by driving or operating equipment in the area. Saturated soil is especially susceptible to compaction, which can reduce the soil absorption field's ability to treat wastewater and lead to system failure.
• Do not dig into the tank or drainfield area while the soil is still wet or flooded. Try to avoid any work on or around the disposal field with heavy machinery while the soil is still wet. These activities will ruin the soil conductivity.

Cleaning/Mold removal

Is it safe to cook in my kitchen after flooding?

Yes, but precautions must be taken to protect food contact surfaces from contaminating your food. When cleaning or disinfecting, wear protective clothing, such as gloves, to avoid skin contact, irritation, or infection. Make sure to clean corners, cracks and crevices, door handles, and door seals, in rooms that have been affected by flood water.

How should I clean my pots, pans, dishes and utensils?

Discard wooden cutting boards, wooden dishes and utensils, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples, and pacifiers that have come into contact with flood water. These items cannot be safely cleaned. Thoroughly wash metal pans, ceramic dishes and utensils (including can openers) with hot soap and water. Rinse and then sanitize them by boiling in clean water or immersing them for 15minutesin a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of drinking water). Allow to air dry.

How should I clean my countertops?

Wash countertops with soap and water, using hot water if possible. Rinse and then sanitize with a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach per 1 gallon of drinking water). Allow to air dry.

What is the best way to clean sheetrock/plaster walls/crawlspaces after a flood? 

Remove all water-soaked sheetrock and insulation between wall joists to allow the wall cavity areas to dry. For plaster walls, openings can be made in the top and bottom of the walls to allow water to drain and air to circulate. If power is available, use fans to circulate the air and dehumidifiers to assist. Hiring a professional drying service may be necessary. Crawlspaces beneath the building may be difficult to clean and dry out. Bacterial growth can be a significant concern in these areas. Crawlspaces are often small spaces to work and could be considered a confined space. Without proper ventilation and safety precautions do not enter these areas. Seek professional assistance to evaluate and clean these areas

How do I clean ventilation systems after flooding? 

Cleaning the ventilation system ductwork may be necessary to remove debris caused by flooding. The system should be inspected prior to using. Bacteria can be spread by the HVAC system so disinfection may be necessary. Not all disinfectants are appropriate for use in cleaning the ventilation system. Make sure the products being used are approved for use in the ventilation system before using them. Professional assistance may be needed for proper cleaning of the system.

How do I find out if I have mold? 

Identifying mold in your home should always begin with a thorough visual inspection. An inspection can be done by a homeowner or by a qualified environmental consultant. Please note that mold assessors and remediators are licensed by the state of Texas, there is no local jurisdictional authority which covers mold. The inspection may be focused on specific areas where moisture has been seen, where flooding or water damage has occurred or in common areas known for mold growth such as basements, attics and crawlspaces. Stained or discolored areas of walls and ceilings that continue to increase in size or change colors can be signs of mold growth. A strong musty smell is also an indicator of mold growth.

Should my home be tested for mold? 

If a visual inspection shows the presence of mold, additional testing is not necessary. The focus should be on correcting any moisture problems and cleaning up the mold contamination. However, if mold is not found during a visual inspection and is still suspected of being present, additional testing may be necessary. Testing for mold should always be performed by a qualified person.  Visit TDLR’s Mold assessors and remediators page for more info: https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/mld/

What additional environmental testing do I need/should I consider? 

Additional testing may include an evaluation of the relative humidity in the home and taking moisture readings of building materials in suspected areas. Swab testing of suspected surfaces and bulk samples of building materials may also be performed. Specialized air testing is also an option for identifying mold spores (MVOCs) from mold growth. However, these specialized air tests can be very expensive and need to be conducted in context with an overall assessment plan. Caution should be taken when considering air testing since there are no state or federal standards for determining an acceptable level of mold in the air. Careful interpretation of air sampling results is also very important since individual susceptibility and health status varies. If air sampling is conducted, an outside reference sample should also be collected at the same time for comparison with the indoor samples.

How should I discard moldy items? 

Use gloves or other personal protection when cleaning items. People with asthma and allergies should not remove mold. Exposure to mold may cause these people to become sick. Clean all hard surfaces with a bleach and water solution (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water) to kill germs and mold. Wash hands after touching anything that has touched flood water. Wash all clothing worn during clean-up in hot water separate from the laundering of routine clothing.

What can I do to prevent mold in my home? 

To prevent mold, wash surface areas in your home, including the walls, staircases and items that came in contact with floodwater. Disinfect with bleach solution and wipe surfaces dry with paper towels to minimize bacterial contamination.

My home was flooded. How do I know what household items can be saved and what I should throw away? 

Take things that were wet for two or more days outside. Things that stayed wet for two days have mold growing on them even if you can't see it.

• Take out items made of cloth unless you can wash them in hot water.
• Also throw away items that can't be cleaned easily (like leather, paper, wood, mattresses, and carpet).
• Throw away any items that do not dry completely because they can harbor germs and produce mold, which can irritate allergies as well as lead to respiratory or other illnesses.
• Keep the humidity and temperature as low as possible.
• Remove any moldy objects as soon as possible. Wash hands after touching anything that has touched flood water.
• Use bleach to clean mold off hard things (like floors, stoves, sinks, certain toys, countertops, flatware, plates, and tools).

What is the best way to clean up after a flood?

Follow these tips to clean up after a flood:

• Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaners.
• Wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, goggles, and N-95mask.
• Open windows and doors to get fresh air when you use bleach.
• Mix no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.
• Wash the item with the bleach and water mixture.
• If the surface of the item is rough, scrub the surface with a stiff brush.
• Rinse the item with clean water.
• Dry the item or leave it out to dry.
• If available, use a shop vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter to trap dust.