MDG kicks off flu shot season campaign Published Aug. 16, 2011 GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- It is that time of the year ... flu season is here again! Receiving a flu vaccine is the one of the best ways to prevent the flu. The 17th Medical Group has received 1,800 doses of flu vaccine, both nasal mist and injections, with more on the way. The annual flu vaccination campaign kicked off here Aug. 16 with Team Goodfellow officer, enlisted and civilian leadership receiving their flu vaccinations. The first priority for the vaccine is active-duty service members, medical personnel and people at high risk for serious flu complications. This latter group includes young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart and lung diseases and immune disorders, as well as people 65 years of age and older. Pregnant women must have a note from their obstetrician in order to receive their vaccination. The 17th MDG is scheduling visits to squadrons throughout the season in order to accomplish this year's vaccination goals for active-duty members. Vaccine availability for all other TRICARE beneficiaries and the general base population will be announced later in the flu season. Here are a few facts about the Flu vaccine: Who should get the vaccination? Everyone age six months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as it is available. Children younger than six months are at high risk of contracting the flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. However, people who care for young infants should be vaccinated. Active-duty are required to be immunized unless they have a waiver from their Commander or competent medical provider. Who should not get a a flu vaccine? People who are sick with fever should wait until their symptoms pass prior to being vaccinated. Pregnant women should not be vaccinated until they speak with their obstetrician. They will also need to get a note from their OB doctor. Children younger than six months should not be vaccinated. People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs. People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past. People who developed Guillian-Barré syndrome (GBS) within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine previously. Why get vaccinated agains influenza? It is mandatory for active-duty. Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease and it can lead to serious complications, hospitalization or even death. Anyone can become sick with the flu, and vaccination is the single best way to protect against influenza. It can also spread to anyone regardless of your health; you can be extremely fit and take every precaution and still become infected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the flu vaccine as the first and most important step in preventing flu. What are the side effects of the flu vaccine? Flu shots are safe and cannot give you the flu because they are made from killed or very weakened virus, but there may be some mild side effects from the two different vaccines. The most common side effects from the shot are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot is given. Side effects from the nasal spray vaccine include runny nose, cough or nasal congestion. Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. What can be done to prevent feeling sick after teh vaccine? Drink lots of water. Take over the counter Tylenol/Motrin as directed on label, before getting the vaccine. Eat healthy foods that contain vitamin C. FMI: Consult a health care provider or call the 17th Medical Group Immunizations Clinic at (325) 654-1484.
