509th MDOS offering flu vaccinations

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jessica Pownell
  • 509th Medical Operations Squadron
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Every year the influenza virus results in three to five million cases of severe illness, and approximately 250,000-500,000 deaths worldwide.

Here in the US, approximately 200,000 people are hospitalized each year because of the flu, and 36,000 people die annually because of the virus and its complications.

Children and infants have the highest rate of infection and often brings the illness home to the rest of the family. The Center for Disease Control recommends that all persons six months and older be vaccinated to prevent the flu.

So how contagious is the flu? People with the flu can spread it to others as far as six feet away. Experts believe the flu viruses are spread by droplets when people cough, sneeze and talk. A secondary route of transmission may occur when an uninfected person touches an object previously contaminated by someone with the virus.

Flu symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body. This means you may pass the flu virus to others before you even realize you're sick yourself.

Active duty members assigned to Whiteman are required to receive the flu vaccination on base. The 509th Medical Operations Squadron held a mass flu line at the Deployment Center Sept. 12.

If the mission prevented you from attending, and you have not yet received your influenza vaccine, report to the Immunizations Clinic at your earliest convenience. Active duty members must receive this vaccine immediately following return from leave, TDY or deployment.

If you are a TriCare beneficiary, you are encouraged to visit the Immunization Clinic or use any TriCare retail network pharmacy for your flu vaccine. The flu vaccine will be available for all TriCare beneficiaries at the Immunizations Clinic on base beginning Oct. 9.

The Immunizations Clinic operates on a walk-in-basis from 7:30 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m., Friday.