Flu vaccine now available through 459th AMDS

  • Published
  • By Capt. Joan Sparrock
  • 459th Aerospace Medicine Squadron nursing services
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  It is that time of the year ... flu season is here again! Receiving a flu vaccine is one of the best ways to prevent the flu and the vaccine itself does not cause the flu. Flu seasons are unpredictable and variable: estimates of seasonal flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. Each year, more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications.

The 2011-2012 flu vaccine will protect the men and women of 459th ARW against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during this season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an influenza B virus.

There are two forms of flu vaccine. The "flu mist" is a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that is given as a nasal spray; however, the viruses in the nasal spray vaccine do not cause the flu. The "flu shot" is an inactivated vaccine containing a killed virus. Which form of protection depends on the patients' age and overall health, with the flu shot being reserved for patients 50 and older, or patients who have health issues such as asthma, diabetes or other immune system disorders. Additional information can be found online at the Centers Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/ and Military Vaccine Agency (MILVAX) website: http://www.vaccines.mil/

You can receive your flu vaccine at the Malcolm Grow Medical Center on 15 October, 0900-1400. The 459th Aerospace Medicine Squadron is also planning a large scale flu shot line during the November Unit Training Assembly and details will be forthcoming.

Any Airmen that has already received the 2011-2012 Seasonal Flu vaccine can have it added to their shot record. The member must bring to AMDS a copy of the documentation for the immunization given from their private medical doctor, place of employment, pharmacy, drugstore etc. The information must include patient's name, SS#, DOB, type of vaccine received, lot # of vaccine, and manufacturer. The form must also have the providers 'signature, ID/license number, and date of vaccine administration. Members can also fax it to 240-857-1947 or email it to 459arw.amds@afncr.af.mil. Please insure that the documentation contains your name legibly written and your squadron so that we can insure accuracy of input.

Symptoms of the flu include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.

To help prevent the spread of the flu, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following recommendations:
  • Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people and while sick, limit contact with others
  • If sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
Let's stay healthy all year around! Get your flu shot now!