Shots for health

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Montse Ramirez
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  We live in a world of germs where viruses and bacteria surround us, and we can't seem to escape these microscopic infectors. Not only do they sicken people, they have the potential to impact the mission and ultimately take a life.

Not to worry though, with the help of the immunization clinic here, Airmen and their families can get the required immunization shots to be healthy.

"Immunizations maximize readiness for our troops, they help give us a little peace of mind by at least not worrying that they will get infected," said Master Sgt. Louis Desomma, NCO in charge of public health clinic, 509th Medical Operations Squadron.

Vaccines work like a bubble protecting an individual and protecting him or her from a specific enemy that's trying to evade. According to Staff Sgt. Adam Whiffen, 509th Medical Operations Squadron allergy immunizations technician, Vaccines are preventative. Vaccines shun as many illnesses as possible to avoid any from endangering the population.

"If you can prevent an illness before it happens, it's better for the patient's health. For the active-duty population, it puts off any mission interruptions," Sergeant Whiffen said. "It also lowers medical cost for Whiteman and the Air Force by reducing the number of people who need extensive treatment."

Sergeant Whiffen said he not only gives shots but also operates flu vaccine and mobility lines, reviews shot records for inspections, reviews deployment records and no-notice deployments.

"We make sure all of our active-duty individuals are ready to go for deployment with their vaccinations, as well as keep them healthy and safe while they're deployed and stateside," Sergeant Whiffen said. "We protect their families with vaccinations while Airmen are deployed, and get children ready for school by keeping them up to date with their immunizations."

"With this day and age with everyone deploying all over the world as much as we do, we are more prone to getting illnesses from food, and bugs," said Sergeant Desomma. "We need as much protection as we can."

With the start of school around the corner, it's crucial for children to get their indispensable 'bubbles' such as tetanus shots, mumps, measles and rubella or German Measles, and varicella.

"We make sure all the children are staying up to date with their childhood immunizations to ensure they're ready when it comes to school time," said Sergeant Whiffen. "They need their vaccines before they face possible exposure to viruses."

One returning virus that constantly plagues children and adults alike is the influenza virus. Every year people who don't get the flu shot suffer from Influenza and expose others, encouraging the wide spread of the disease.

Sergeant Whiffen said he is expecting an Influenza vaccine shipment in September and will start vaccinating shortly after it arrives.

For more information on the immunization clinic or to make an appointment, call (660) 687-4304.