Active-duty Sabers to receive flu vaccination

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kali L. Gradishar
  • 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Active-duty Sabers who missed the Sept. 29 mass flu vaccination in building 103 will have another chance to get immunized between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Oct. 6-7 at the same location. 

While this round of vaccinations is for active-duty members only, additional Department of Defense ID cardholders may receive flu vaccinations later in October. The specific dates and times are yet to be determined. 

Remember to bring your ID card when you go to get the vaccine, and you may want to walk or carpool to building 103, as parking space is very limited. 

"There are two flu vaccinations," said Staff Sgt. Candice Salas, 52nd Medical Operations Squadron Allergy and Immunization Clinic. "We have the flu mist for those who are healthy and are 2-49 years old. And we have the injectable vaccine for ages 6 months - 2 years old and 50 years and older." 

Some of the common side effects from the mist include runny nose or nasal congestion, fever, sore throat, cough and aches. Common side effects for the injectable vaccine include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot was received, fever, aches, or cough. 

The vaccines provided to Sabers will include immunization for three of the more common flu strains. The well-known H1N1 influenza strain will not be among those; however, it can be expected to see a vaccine for this sometime in the near future. 

"We don't have the swine flu vaccines or specific information about when we will receive them at this time," Sergeant Salas said. "But if you have any questions, contact the immunizations clinic." 

While getting a flu vaccination is an important step in preventing getting the bug, people can take additional steps to attempt to avoid getting infected. 

"People can cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze, stay home if they feel sick and practice basic personal hygiene," Sergeant Salas said. 

Other prevention actions people can take, according for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention Web site, include avoiding contact with others; washing hands often; avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and practicing other healthy practices such as getting plenty of sleep, staying physically active, managing stress and drinking plenty of fluids. 

For more information about the flu vaccinations, call the immunization clinic at DSN 452-8382.