Goodfellow prepares for flu season Published Sept. 14, 2010 By Senior Airman Lacy Hull 17th Medical Operations Squadron GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- It's only one quick pinch and it takes less than a second to protect yourself from days of misery. The 17th Medical Group recently received 1,470 doses of the influenza vaccine for military beneficiaries. This season, the H1N1 strain is combined with the flu vaccine. The target population for this initial shipment are active duty personnel, pregnant women with a note from provider, high-risk children and adults, and Defense Department healthcare workers who serve these populations. Family members can stop by immunizations during walk-in hours to receive a vaccine. Family members ages 2 and older will receive the mist while high risk family members ages 9 and older will receive the shot. Adult immunizations are offered weekdays from 7:30 a.m. - noon and 1-4 p.m. Pediatric immunizations are offered Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-3:30 p.m.; Wednesdays from 9-11:30 a.m.; and Fridays from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Immunization is the best primary prevention for seasonal influenza. Secondary prevention measures to reduce influenza-like illness include: covering your cough or sneeze and using alcohol-based hand cleaners when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth and try to avoid close contact with sick people. Also, do not go to work or school if you are sick. For more information, call the Public Health office at (325) 654-5998.
