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Flu shots coming to Scott

  • Published
  • By 375th Medical Group
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  During the next few months, the 375th Medical Group will be receiving and administering the 2010-2011 flu vaccine, which will protect against the influenza A H3N2 virus, influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus.

The influenza vaccine is not open to all active duty members at this time. Currently, vaccines are being administered to first responders, high risk patients, child development center workers, medical personnel and those deploying with an in-country date of Nov. 1. Others will be notified as the vaccine becomes available.

The flu refers to illnesses caused by a number of different influenza viruses. The flu can cause a range of symptoms and effects, from mild to death. Most healthy people recover from the flu without problems, but certain people are at high risk for serious complications.

In the U.S., epidemiologists at the Centers for Disease Control work with states to collect, compile and analyze reports of flu outbreaks to develop an appropriate seasonal vaccination. Flu symptoms may include any or all of the following; fever, coughing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, body aches, chills and fatigue.

Normally, annual outbreaks of the seasonal flu occur during the late fall through early spring timeframe. Most people have a natural immunity, but the seasonal flu vaccine helps bolster natural defenses. In a typical year, approximately 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population get the seasonal flu.

While there are many different flu viruses, this season's flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as the 2010-2011 season vaccine is available.

People at high risk of serious flu complications include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease and people 65 years and older. Vaccination is also important for health care workers and those who live with people determined to be high risk. As children younger than 6 months are too young to be vaccinated, people who care for them should be vaccinated instead.

As the vaccination supply is released, the 375th MDG will advertise times and dates of influenza vaccination lines.