Flu shots to be available for civilians as well as military

  • Published
  • Air Force Materiel Command Public Affairs Report
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  This year, flu vaccine will be made available to Air Force Materiel Command's civilian workforce in addition to active-duty personnel and their family members.

Given the negative impact of the flu on workforce health and workplace productivity, AFMC Commander Gen. Donald Hoffman approved the purchase of vaccine for use in immunizing the command's civilian workforce during the 2011-2012 influenza season.

"Certainly this makes sense in terms of productivity lost to sick days," said AFMC Executive Director Dr. Steve Butler. "But it's also our goal to provide flu prevention to our many civilians serving alongside our military personnel. Rather than offer the vaccine to civilians 'if there's any left,' we wanted it to be available to them early in the flu season."

As the initial year for the AFMC Civilian Workforce Influenza Vaccine Program, line funds have been allocated to purchase a predetermined quantity of flu vaccine. Therefore, the vaccine program will be run on a first-come, first-served basis for the civilian workforce.

In keeping with Hoffman's intent, medical treatment facilities within AFMC are making arrangements to offer civilian workers their flu vaccine in parallel with military members.

For Hanscom's civilian personnel, the 66th Medical Squadron began this week to offer a limited supply to on-base workers who are non-TRICARE beneficiaries. At this time, the 66 MDS has received 300 vaccines of a 500 vaccine initiative which will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until the supply is exhausted. The 66 MDS is currently planning to offer the vaccine from Oct. 3 to Oct. 7 in Building 1900 from noon to 1 p.m. only.

While vaccination is optional for civilians and military dependents, it is mandatory for active-duty personnel.

At Hanscom, the 66 MDS has seasonal influenza vaccination for active duty, Air National Guard and Active Reserve Corp components in the Hanscom area of responsibility. They also have vaccine available for children 6 months to 18 years old and high risk individuals enrolled at the clinic.

Members of these groups can receive the vaccine at the Immunizations Clinic. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the following exceptions: on Tuesday the clinic will be closed at 3 p.m. for squadron fitness and the first Friday of the month it will be closed at noon for readiness training.

66 MDS is not yet offering vaccines for the 66 MDS population from ages 19 years old and above or for all TRICARE beneficiaries. As more supply is received, the vaccine will be open to more populations.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. In the United States, flu activity typically peaks in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. However, some people -- such as adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions -- are at high risk for serious flu complications, so vaccination is especially important for them. The protection from vaccination will last throughout the flu season.

The following tips will also help people stay healthy:
· Avoid close contact with those who are ill
· Stay home when you are sick
· Wash your hands often
· Practice other good health habits (get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids)

Hanscom personnel can check the status of vaccines by reading upcoming Hansconians or calling the clinic flu line at 781-377-5065.