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90th MDG provides flu vaccinations

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  • By Staff Reports
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  It is the beginning of influenza season and the 90th Medical Group Immunization Office has begun administering the vaccination throughout the Warren population, ensuring the Air Forces greatest asset - Airmen, as well as their families - are protected this flu season. Airmen stationed at Warren are required to be vaccinated by Dec. 15, 2015.

Each year, various strains of the flu virus are tested by the World Health Organization and the results are used to determine the vaccine for the following flu season.

The flu, in some cases, can be dangerous for those who have it and people are encouraged to get vaccinated whenever possible, said Capt. David Kornack, 90th Medical Group infection preventionist. Some visitors of the clinic are in more danger if they contract the flu virus, so the first wave of individuals offered the vaccine were pregnant women, asthmatics and other high-risk patients.

"Our goal is to have all beneficiaries vaccinated for the flu," Kornack added. "However, our initial focus was put on high-risk patients. We provide support to active-duty, Guard, reserve, retirees and dependants."

Now the office's attention has moved toward the rest of their patients, mainly active-duty military. Aside from walk-in flu shot Airmen can also receive the vaccination from flu distributions visiting the various squadrons.

Airmen should hear about upcoming flu distributions from their chain of command or can visit the clinic to be vaccinated, said Tech. Sgt. Jason Hanafin, 90th Medical Operations Squadron Immunization Office.

"The flu is a worldwide issue," Hanafin said. "Everyone needs to be vaccinated."

The Defense Health Agency has complied various facts to help keep people inform as there are many myths out there. Here are a few:

Myth #1: Having influenza is similar to getting a cold; therefore, an immunization is not really necessary.

Fact: Thousands are hospitalized each year because of flu complications. Vaccination provides the best protection available from the influenza virus.

Myth #2: Side effects from the influenza vaccine are worse than influenza itself.

Fact: The most common side effect you are likely to experience with the vaccine is a sore arm if you get the shot versus the mist. Side effects can include a runny nose, headache, fever, cough and sore throat; however, contracting the flu will create more severe symptoms and will take longer to recover from.

Myth #3: You must get the influenza vaccine before the influenza season, or it is not worth getting.

Fact: The flu vaccine can be given before or during the flu season. Flu vaccines provide protection against the different strains of the virus for that season.
Annual vaccinations are the best way to protect against getting the flu. Influenza is more dangerous than the common cold for children and vaccinations are recommended for everyone older than 6 months.

The Immunizations Clinic is open to vaccinate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. with the exception of every third Thursday of the month when the clinic is closed for training. For more information, call 773-2170.