An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Medical personnel will administer flu shots on base

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Maria Bowman
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Falling temperatures brings with it football jerseys, pumpkin spice coffees, hay rides and flu vaccinations.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes death. During a regular flu season, about 90 percent of deaths occur in people 65 years and older. The flu season in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May.

The 375th Medical Group immunization clinic is preparing to keep Team Scott as healthy as possible during these colder months.

Staff Sgt. Kimberly Burris, 375th Medical Group allergy and immunization specialist, said, "People should get the flu shot because it will help prevent the spread of the virus. The flu vaccine can save millions of lives, reduce hospital bills and will keep the emergency rooms from being backed up."

Everyone who is at least 6 months of age should get a flu vaccine this season. It's especially important for some people to get vaccinated. Those people include the following:

· People who are at high risk of developing serious complications like pneumonia if they get sick with the flu. This includes:

· People who have certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease

· Pregnant women

· People 65 years and older

· People who live with or care for others who are at high risk of developing serious complications. This includes:

· Household contacts and caregivers of people with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

There are some people who should not get a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician. These include:

· People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.

· People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.

· Children younger than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and

· People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever. They should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.

· People with a history of Guillain-Barré Syndrome, severe paralytic illnesses that occurred after receiving influenza vaccine and who are not at risk for severe illness from influenza should generally not receive vaccine. Tell your doctor if you ever had GBS. Your doctor will help you decide whether the vaccine is recommended for you.

For more information or questions regarding flu vaccine options, call 256-2676.

Vaccinations--when and where

· Vaccinations will be administered to active duty, first responders, Reservist and Guard members on active orders, and high risk patients Oct. 4 at the base auditorium from 5 a.m. to Oct. 5 at 1 a.m.

· Vaccinations will be administered to DoD beneficiaries ages 6 months and older Oct. 18 at the base auditorium from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For more information, call 256 - 2676.