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Flu vaccine is available for JBAB Airmen

  • Published
  • 579th Medical Group Immunizations Clinic
JOINT BASE ANACOSTIA-BOLLING, District of Columbia --  The influenza vaccine is now available for Department of Defense Tricare beneficiaries at the 579th Medical Group Immunization Clinic on Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling, Washington, D.C.

"In an effort to help our beneficiaries stay healthy we are hosting three flu drives Sept. 13, Sept. 26, and Oct. 10 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Bolling Club Spaatz Room. This gives our families the opportunity to receive their vaccine before the flu season starts," said Col. Kathryn Tate, 579 MDG commander.

All active duty members are required to receive the flu vaccine by December 31.

"If you are unable to attend the drives, you can receive your 'shot or sniff' (injection or FluMist) at any time. Just stop by the Immunizations Clinic during our duty hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.," said Tate.

Each year the flu, a contagious respiratory illness spread by influenza viruses, occurs worldwide. While the timing of activity is somewhat unpredictable, it most commonly peaks in the United States during winter months, according to the Centers for Disease Control. In the United States, an average of 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from seasonal flu-related complications. Flu seasons are unpredictable and can be severe. Over a period of 30 years, between 1976 and 2006, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people.

The CDC recommends a number of actions to prevent the Flu. The first is to receive an annual influenza vaccine. This vaccine is updated every year to best match the top three predicted circulating virus strains.

"It is especially critical that high risk persons are vaccinated to decrease their risk of severe flu illness," says Lt. Col. (Dr.) Nicole Thomas, 579 MDG chief of medical staff. "This includes children younger than five, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and asthma and adults over 64 years of age. I can't emphasize enough that everyone 6 months of age and older should receive a flu vaccine."

The next action is to take preventive measures to stop the spread of germs.

"If you are coughing or sneezing, you should use a tissue or the crease in your arm in order to cover your mouth and nose. You don't want to use your hands, as this will just further spread the virus," recommends Maj. Jacqueline Jackson, 579 MDG disease manager. "Also, washing your hands with soap and water frequently, or using an alcohol based hand rub will help prevent the spread of infection."

The CDC also recommends avoiding close contact with sick people. If flu-like symptoms appear, stay home for at least 24 hours. Seek medical care if needed. Limit contact with others to help prevent them from becoming infected.

For more information contact the 579 MDG Immunizations Clinic at 202-404-6724.