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Flu vaccinations now available
Posted 10/1/2012 Updated 10/1/2012
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31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
10/1/2012 - AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- As temperatures begin to drop with winter slowly moving its way down the mountains into Aviano, it brings with it the start of flu season.
All servicemembers, Department of Defense personnel and beneficiaries are eligible to receive the influenza vaccine now available at the 31st Medical Group Immunizations Clinic.
Influenza immunizations are mandatory for all uniformed personnel and DOD civilian healthcare personnel who work in direct patient care areas.
According to 31st Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health officials, providing routine annual vaccinations to certain groups at higher risk for influenza infection or complications should be a priority:
- Anyone who is at risk of complications from influenza, or more likely to require medical care.
- Women who will be pregnant during influenza season.
- Anyone with long-term health problems including heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, metabolic disease (diabetes), asthma, anemia and other blood disorders. - Household contacts and caregivers of children up to 5 years old and people 50 years and older.
For those infected by the flu, 31st Medical Group officials suggest these simple steps to help reduce the time individuals are sick:
"Getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco will allow your body to fight off the illness more quickly," said Maj. Jarrett Jack, 31st AMDS Public Health Flight commander. "Protect others by covering your mouth when coughing and sneezing, wash your hands frequently, and stay at home if you are feeling ill."
Patients will be able to choose from either the injectable or FluMist (given in the nose) vaccines. FluMist is a live attenuated virus for people between the ages of 2 and 49. Concerns about people who were given FluMist infecting people who had not had the vaccine have proven false, so waiting to immunize high-risk people is not needed.
FluMist is sprayed into the nostrils rather than injected. Because it contains a live attenuated virus, there is a chance of mild flu-like signs or symptoms occurring. The FluMist will only be given to healthy people 2-49 years of age who are healthy and not pregnant. The injectable vaccine will be given to people who can't receive the FluMist due to medical reasons. Vaccination is considered the best protection against influenza infection.
"If you are unable to receive the vaccine, avoid close contact with people sick with the flu," stated Maj Jack. "To prevent the spread of germs, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth and cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or a tissue when coughing or sneezing."
Symptoms of the flu include:
- Fever or feeling feverish chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
The 31st MDG Immunizations clinic located in Area 1 is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to give the Influenza vaccine. Additionally, the clinic will be hosting a 48-hour straight Influenza Vaccination line from Oct. 3-4 in Building 933 in Area F.
For more information or questions on the available times or about the Influenza vaccine, call the Public Health office at 632-3998 or the Immunization Clinic at 632-5400.
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