INSURANCE

Laura Mutsko Agent, CSA and Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist

Q:A friend recently suggested that I should update my tetanus shot because I do a lot of gardening. Would this be covered by Medicare?

A:Your friend has given you some good advice. Gardeners may be exposed to tetanus infections since this particular bacteria is generally found in soil, dust, and natural fertilizers. It commonly enters the body through breaks in the skin. Gardeners are especially susceptible because they often use sharp tools and may handle plants with thorns that can break the skin.

Tetanus is sometimes called “lockjaw” because one of the most common signs of this infection is tightening of the jaw muscles. Tetanus infection can lead to serious health problems, including being unable to open the mouth and having trouble swallowing and breathing. For more information, visit the Center for Disease Control’s website at www.cdc.gov/tetanus.

Fortunately, a vaccination is available. Most infants and small children receive the immunization as part of the TDAP shot, which includes vaccinations against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Adults who were fully immunized with the TDAP vaccine as children should receive a tetanus booster shot every 10 years to maintain their immunity.

Your doctor or other health care provider may recommend a tetanus shot if you have not received one in the past ten years or if you have been injured by a contaminated item.

Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) generally covers shots needed to prevent illness including tetanus shots. Other immunizations are covered by Medicare Part B. Contact your Medicare plan for information on your specific coverage. While you are checking on your immunization status, find out whether you are up to date on other covered vaccines, including, flu, shingles, pertussin (whooping cough), Hepatitis B and pneumonia vaccines. And if you plan to do some gardening, get a good pair of gardening gloves to protect yourself.

I will be presenting Getting Started with Medicare, a class covering all the basics on Medicare on Thursday, August 23, 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. at the Willowick Library. Please call 440943-4151 to register. This class is only for educational purposes and no plan specific benefits or details will be shared. Laura Mutsko Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC 6982 Spinach Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 440-255-5700 www.mutskoinsurance.com