Don’t wait, vaccinate: Flu shots return to DGMC

  • Published
  • 60th Medical Operations Squadron
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Travis Golden Bears can get flu shots at the David Grant USAF Medical Center as the latest vaccine is rolled out nationwide.

The Department of Defense mandates a 90 percent or greater vaccination rate of military personnel by Dec. 15. The Travis goal is to reach the 90 percent mark of military personnel by Oct. 31.

The annual campaign kicked off Oct. 6 with DGMC health care workers being the first to get vaccinated. All active duty Travis personnel will receive either the FluMist nasal spray or injected shot at DGMC's subspecialty clinic, located on the first floor of the medical centerfrom 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14 to 17. Group visits also will be scheduled over the two-week period from Oct. 13 to 24.

High-risk beneficiaries can receive the vaccine starting Oct. 20, followed by all other TRICARE beneficiaries Oct. 27 through Nov. 15, depending on vaccine availability.  People at high risk for developing complications from the flu include: 

· Those under age 5 years or 65 years and older.
· Pregnant women.
· Those with chronic lung disease (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis).
· Those with a weakened immune system due to drugs or disease, including HIV/AIDS, cancer, chronic steroid use.
· Neurological or developmental disorders, including epilepsy, intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, stroke, muscular dystrophy.
· Blood disorders, including sickle cell disease.
· Obesity.
· People younger than 19 years of age on long-term aspirin therapy.
· Native Americans and Alaskan natives.
· Other chronic health conditions such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, liver disease and metabolic disorders.

"Everyone age 6 months or older should get a flu shot each year. It's the best way to avoid getting the flu and spreading it to others," said Lt. Col. Natalie Johns, 60th Aerospace Medicine Squadron public health flight commander. "Please keep in mind the influenza vaccination is mandatory for those in uniform. The flu is more serious than the common cold, so you should do everything you can to prevent it."

According to Johns, flu symptoms include fever, chills, coughing and muscle aches, which may last up to one to two weeks.

What you should know about the flu:

· The flu shot or FluMist nasal spray are the best ways to prevent or minimize the effects of influenza.
· The flu shot cannot give you the flu.
· Even people with egg allergy can and should receive the flu shot. It may need to be administered under the supervision of an allergist.
· The flu is serious. If left untreated, it can lead to hospitalization and even death.
· If you get the flu, you can give it to people around you.
· Basic hygiene precautions such as washing hands frequently with soap and warm water, are still some of the best methods to prevent transmission of the flu to others.
· Those coming down with flu symptoms should stay at home to prevent the risk of passing it on to friends and colleagues at work or school.

For more information about the flu vaccine, call DGMC's Immunizations clinic at 423-5107.