Flu vaccinations now available

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Briana Jones
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  That time of year has come back around, when the temperatures begin to drop and the sun makes rare appearances. Winter is slowly coming our way and so is the flu season.

Influenza vaccinations are now available at the 31st Medical Group immunizations clinic for uniformed and Department of Defense personnel.

All service members and DOD civilian healthcare personnel who work in direct patient care areas are mandated to receive the vaccination.

"Once a person gets the influenza vaccine, it can take a couple of weeks for the vaccine to take effect," said Maj. Jarrett Jack, 31st Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health flight commander. "The earlier you get it the better protected you will be once influenza starts to spread."

According to 31st Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health officials, certain individuals are at a higher risk of influenza infection and need to receive the vaccination right away:

- Children six months and older
- Caregivers of children 0-5 years of age
- Anyone with long term health problems
- Women who are expecting to be pregnant during influenza season
- People 50 years and older

"The more people we get vaccinated and the earlier it happens the less affect we see on a day-to-day basis," said Jack . "The more people we have vaccinated the harder it is for the influenza virus to spread."

In the event someone is infected with the virus, Public Health officials recommend getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol, tobacco and caffeinated drinks. Anyone unable to receive the vaccination should take these preventative steps to stay healthy:

- Avoid close contact with people who have influenza
- Wash your hands with soap and hot water or use alcohol-based sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to prevent spreading germs
- Always cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with a tissue or sleeve

Symptoms of the flu include:
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Fever
- Runny or stuffy nose

The 31st MDG immunizations clinic is located in Area 1 and is open 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday to provide vaccinations. 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.