ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The seasonal flu vaccine is now available for dependents and retirees at the primary care manager clinic and at the immunizations clinic located inside Malcolm Grow Medical Center.
The flu vaccine is mandatory for all Active Duty members. Members will be notified of the time and location of the "flu lines" through their chain of command.
The seasonal flu vaccine will also be available for retirees on Retiree Appreciation Day Nov. 7.
Vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu. There is an anticipated additional vaccine for the H1N1 flu later this fall because there are two types of flu viruses in circulation. People will need to get both vaccines; the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect against the H1N1 flu virus and the H1N1 flu vaccine will not protect against the seasonal flu virus.
The influenza virus can spread from infected persons primarily through coughing and sneezing. People can spread the virus even before they realize they are sick. The time from infection until symptoms develop can range from one to four days.
Adults remain infectious for about five days after symptoms begin and children may remain infectious for up to 10 days. Symptoms of the flu include abrupt onset of fever, chills, coughing, headache, runny nose, sore throat and muscle and joint pains. Most people suffer a moderate illness with influenza for three to seven days, but others may need to be hospitalized.
There are several differences between the FluMist, live attenuated influenza virus and the flu shot.
Both LAIV and inactivated influenza vaccine contain strains of influenza viruses that are matched to protect against influenza strains that are likely to circulate each year. Viruses for both vaccines are grown in eggs. Each year's vaccine may be different from the preceding year because circulating strains of influenza virus change from year to year. Both vaccines are administered annually to provide optimal protection against influenza infection.
Inactivated vaccine, which contains killed virus, is what is traditionally known as the flu shot. This vaccine is given with a needle. The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.
FluMist contains weakened viruses. These weakened strains usually do not cause illness because they have lost disease-causing properties. However, there is a possibility that they can still reproduce and cause disease. Illness caused by FluMist is usually much milder and shorter than a community-acquired flu.
FluMist is sprayed in the nose, whereas inactivated influenza vaccine is given with a needle in the arm. FluMist is approved for ages 2 to 49 years.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the following groups of people who are at risk for serious complications from the flu be vaccinated each year:
· All children 6 months to 18-years-old.
· Everyone 50 years of age and over.
· Those who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
· Those who live in nursing homes.
· Those with chronic illness such as diabetes, heart and kidney disease, and immune deficiencies like HIV/AIDS or those on medications that suppress the immune system.
· People with breathing problems like asthma or emphysema.
· People who can transmit flu to high-risk groups such as health care workers, child care providers, and caregivers for and household contacts of those in high-risk groups.
It is estimated that the flu vaccine prevents influenza in 70 to 90 percent of adults under 65-years-old, with rates slightly higher in children and somewhat lower in older adults, especially those who reside in nursing homes. The vaccine can also be 50 to 60 percent effective in preventing flu-related hospitalization or pneumonia and 80 percent effective in preventing influenza-related death in older adults.
Getting the flu vaccine each year is the best way to prevent the flu. In addition, good health habits, such as covering your cough and washing your hands, can help prevent the spread of flu and other respiratory illnesses.
For more information regarding influenza, please visit the CDC Web site at http://www.cdc.gov/flu, or contact the PCM clinic or public health at 240-857-5498. For more information regarding the vaccine at Andrews, call the Allergy and Immunizations Clinic at 240-857-7426.
- Courtesy of 779th Medical Group Public Health and Allergy and Immunizations Clinic