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375th Medical Group will host mass flu vaccinations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erica Crossen
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE, Ill. --  Flu vaccinations are being added to many to-do lists with the colder weather approaching, and the added vulnerability for many people to catch the virus.

Senior Airman Jonathan Scott, 375th Medical Operations Squadron Immunization Technician, said, "Every person six months and older should get the flu vaccine. Also, the flu strands change each season so it's important to receive the vaccine every year."

The flu is caused by influenza viruses, and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing, and close contact.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, anyone can get the flu, but the risk of getting flu is highest among children. Each year thousands of people in the United States die from flu, and many more are hospitalized. Symptoms come on suddenly and may last several days to include a fever, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache and a runny or stuffy nose.

This season there will be two mass flu vaccination lines at the Library Auditorium.
The first will take place Oct. 6 from 5 a.m. to midnight for active duty members, and the second round will be Oct. 24 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for DoD beneficiaries.

"It's highly recommended that everyone try to make it to the flu lines," said Scott. "If they cannot make it to the lines, they can come to the immunizations clinic at the Medical Group."

The FluMist and the inactivated flu vaccination shot are available at the Immunizations clinic on a walk-in basis. They are scheduled to receive another shipment of FluMist in preparation for the mass flu vaccination lines.

Staff Sgt. Eli Kalingo, 375th MDOS Immunizations Technician, said, "The FluMist is similar to other nasal sprays. We administer it with two quick sprays to each side of the nose with the head tilted back and the patient breathes deeply."

It is important for people to know that it takes two weeks for the body to develop full protection against the flu after the vaccination.

Individuals who have asthma, egg allergies, or are pregnant should not get the FluMist and should only get the inactivated flu vaccination shot.

The time of year most at risk for catching the flu starts in October and lasts until May.
For more information, call 256-2676.