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386th Airmen remain mission ready with influenza vaccine

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Scott Ellison
  • 386th Expeditionary Medical Group Public Health
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  The Influenza vaccine is here, and soon the flu season will follow. Unless medically contraindicated, all military personnel are required to receive the flu vaccine. This prevention measure is not only for your health but vastly decreases the likelihood of an outbreak that would impact mission accomplishment.

The 386th Expeditionary Medical Group will immunize active duty Air Force personnel at the base theater Sept. 2 from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. and noon to 6 p.m. If the member is redeploying prior to Oct. 15, 2010, the immunization will be given at home station.

For Air Force members who receive their medical care from the Squadron Medical Element clinic; the SME physician will coordinate influenza vaccinations with first sergeants or during walk-in hours at the SME clinics.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused by Influenza type A or B viruses. It can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. Historically, the predominant Influenza virus type over the past two decades has been the A virus. However, the virus mutates each year, necessitating reformulation of the vaccine and annual vaccination.

Influenza is extremely easy to spread from person to person. It is spread by airborne respiratory droplets that are produced by coughing and sneezing. Symptoms develop about two days after exposure and include high fever, severe muscle aches, headache, malaise (a general feeling of sickness) and a dry cough. Less commonly, some people may also have a sore throat and runny nose.

Immunization remains the primary method of reducing influenza illness and its complications. Two forms of influenza vaccine are distributed in the United States. The first is an inactivated (no live virus) vaccine given by injection. The second vaccine is a live, attenuated (altered and weakened) virus sprayed into the nose. Here at The Rock, the 386th EMDG will only be providing the injectable vaccine.

Injectable influenza vaccine reduces the risk of influenza infection by 70 to 90 percent in those immunized. Immunity develops within 10 to 14 days following immunization. The vaccine is not given to people with allergic reactions to eggs or to those with a documented allergic or neurologic reaction (Guillain-Barre') to a previous dose of this vaccine.

Injectable influenza vaccine has been used for more than 60 years and is associated with few side effects. The most common adverse reactions are pain, swelling, soreness and redness at the injection site. Less common complaints include fever and muscle/body aches that usually last for one to two days. Anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) may occur after this or any other vaccination.

If you have any questions about Influenza or the vaccination please contact the 386th Expeditionary Medical Group Public Health Office.