JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
It is that time of year again ... flu season. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory system that primarily spreads from person-to-person through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Flu symptoms can include fever, headache, sore throat, stuffy nose, body aches, extreme fatigue and a severe and often prolonged cough. Thousands of individuals die each year in the U.S. and around the world from flu or flu-related complications. The flu can affect anyone, but the elderly, children and individuals with health complications or weakened immune systems are at greater risk.
The good news is only one vaccine is required this year to immunize against both seasonal and H1N1 influenza.
As Air Force personnel, a high level of fitness and wellness is essential for our mission to be successful. If several personnel from a duty section are out of work due to the flu, a plane may not be repaired or loaded, a physician may not be able to care for sick personnel, or a pilot may not be able to fly. Your health is indeed a force multiplier. As such, it is imperative that everyone be vaccinated against the flu. All active-duty members are required to be vaccinated.
There are two methods in which personnel can be vaccinated. The first is being vaccinated with Flumist, better known as the "nose spray." This is the preferred method for healthy, non-pregnant individuals two to 49 years of age. This method has advantages of creating mucosal and blood system immune response and is easier to administer than the intramuscular route.
The second method is the traditional "shot." This method can be given to all people greater than six months of age and will have a blood immune response. This method is used for those for whom the Flumist is contraindicated. Your healthcare provider will advise you regarding which method is optimal for you.
Presently, at the 628th Medical Group, a limited amount of Thimerosal-free flu-mist and flu injections are available at the Immunizations Clinic located on the first floor of the main clinic, Building 364. Their hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Additional doses of the flu vaccine will be delivered in regular increments throughout the flu season. Ample doses of flu vaccine will be available to immunize all eligible beneficiaries.
Flu vaccines are currently being administered to active-duty walk-ins and those who will be deploying within the next 45 days. The rest of the base population, to include all beneficiaries empanelled to the 628th Medical Group, will be immunized based upon the prioritization set forth by the Influenza Working Group and the availability of flu vaccine.
This year, TRICARE Prime dependents have the option of using a participating network pharmacy for the vaccine, at no cost (dependent ID required). A list of these pharmacies is available at www.express-scripts.com/members/portalAlerts/vaccines.
If you choose to receive the flu vaccine at a network pharmacy, we request you bring documentation of vaccination to the Immunizations Clinic to ensure your medical record is properly updated.
The Medical Group is committed to optimizing your health. We ask you to be an active partner in maintaining your health, which includes keeping your immunization status current.
Updates on the availability of the flu vaccine will occur throughout the fall. The Center for Disease Control provides excellent resources for further information about the flu at
www.cdc.gov/flu.