Clinic vaccinates Airmen, family against flu

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Laura L. Valentine
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  The 22nd Medical Group Allergy and Immunization Clinic will be administering influenza shots for all beneficiaries.

The 22nd MDG began administering the vaccine Sept. 1, 2011, and will continue until June 30, 2012. Beneficiaries who are 6 months old and older may receive the vaccine.

Influenza is a respiratory infection that can cause serious complications, particularly to young children and older adults, according to medical professionals.

Getting the flu vaccine is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now recommends that everyone 6 months of age or older be vaccinated annually against influenza, said Senior Airman Crystal Whiterock, 22nd MDG Allergy and Immunization technician.

The flu vaccine is given two ways. The inactivated, killed, vaccine or the "flu shot," is injected into the muscle. The live, weakened, attenuated influenza vaccine is sprayed into the nostrils.

This year's annual flu shot offers protection against the pandemic H1N1 flu (swine flu) virus, influenza virus subtype A and subtype B.

The vaccine will remain effective in the body for one year, and the medical community releases new flu vaccines every year to keep up with rapidly adapting flu viruses. Because of this, it is recommended to receive an annual vaccine, said Whiterock.

As with any vaccine, there is always the possibility to have minor cold symptoms, she said.

"I haven't had any problems yet," said Staff Sgt. Gregori Sena, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Commander's Action Group assistant NCO in charge, who received the live vaccine during a mass administration line at Building 1 Sept. 19. "But it was convenient to be able to receive the vaccine at work."

Mass vaccination lines for active duty will be held at Bldg 1090 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 21.
 
The 22nd MDG Allergy and Immunizations clinic hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, call (316) 759-5054.