Flu vaccines available on Peterson

Flu vaccine

Senior Airman Ashley Williams, 21st Medical Operations Squadron, vaccinates Chief Master Sgt. Robert Sealey, 21st Space Wing command chief, Sept. 8 with the intranasal Flu Mist vaccine. Chief Sealey and Col. Stephen N. Whiting, 21st Space Wing commander, received the first vaccinations for the upcoming flu season. Flu vaccine is available now, and all servicemembers are required to receive the vaccine from a military medical treatment facility. For information call the Flu-Line at 556-3588 or call 556-2273 to leave a message for a primary care provider. (U.S. Air Force photo/Rob Bussard)

Published Sept. 22, 2010
By Lt. Col. (Dr.) Terence Mitchell
21st Medical Group chief of medical staff

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The end of summer signals the start of snowy weather, winter holidays and, unfortunately, flu season.

The 21st Medical Group launched into flu season in September with a start on vaccinations for active duty members. The initial shipment of flu vaccines is saved for medical professionals, first responders and Child Development Center personnel. There is a limited supply of vaccine and it is available at the immunizations clinic and scheduled flu lines. All active duty members must receive their flu vaccine from a military medical treatment facility.

The Flu Mist nasal vaccine is currently available and mandatory for all active duty members who do not fall into a high-risk group. Anyone who falls into a high-risk group, including people who have weakened immune systems, who are pregnant, who have long-term health problems, or who are more than 49 years old, will receive the flu shot.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, lead to death. Every year in the United States, on average, 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and about 36,000 people die from the flu.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. Hand washing, covering your cough, and staying home if you are sick, are also proven methods in avoiding the flu and other common illnesses.

Call the Flu-Line at 556-3588 for questions or concerns about the vaccines or call 556-2273 to leave a message for a primary care provider. For additional information go to www.cdc.gov/flu.