Flu shots Required for active-duty personnel; urged for civilians, dependents, retirees

Published Sept. 28, 2010
By 1st Lt. Brittany Chase
81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Flu season is quickly approaching and with the viral activity comes the need to be immunized. Everyone 6 months of age and older should receive a flu vaccination as soon as vaccine is available.

Flu viruses are spread mainly from person to person through coughing, sneezing or talking to people with influenza. The virus can survive on surfaces and can infect a person for two to 8 hours after being deposited on the surface.
While flu is hard to predict, it is likely that the 2009 H1N1 viruses and regular seasonal viruses will cause illness in the U.S. this flu season. The 2010-11 flu vaccine will protect against three different flu viruses -- an H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season.

Keesler will receive three forms of the vaccine: FluZone, for 6 months and older; Afluria for ages 9 years and older; and FluMist nasal spray for healthy populations ages 2 and older.

All active-duty members are required to be vaccinated and all dependents and retirees are highly encouraged to get vaccinated, especially if they are considered high risk -- those 65 years or older, children younger than 5, pregnant women and people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions.

As new shipments of vaccine arrive, 81st Medical Group Hospital beneficiaries will be contacted via an automated phone call announcement letting them know flu vaccine is available at the immunization clinic. High-risk patients and hospital employees are contacted first, followed by school children and remaining active-duty personnel.

It's important to take preventive measures such as vaccinations and practicing good hygiene, to safeguard your health every day, but especially during flu season. Here are some things that can be done to protect everyone's health this flu season:

Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.

Wash hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

For more information on influenza, please visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov/flu/ or call public health, 376-3163.