FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- The 92nd Medical Group Immunization Clinic is continuing to administer the Influenza vaccine (both Flu shot and Flu Mist), and is encouraging those who have not received their vaccine to visit them and have the vaccine administered.
     "The flu vaccine is our best defense against a disease that has killed more people in epidemic form than any other disease in history," said Lt. Col. Walter "Sparky" Matthews, 92nd Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander. "The vaccines are completely safe and very effective. While the flu "shot" was originally developed to prevent people from dying from influenza, the more modern flu "mist" is designed to keep a person from getting sick with influenza at all."
     Flu vaccination is mandatory for all Active Duty members, and highly recommended for all beneficiaries that meet medical eligibility criteria. The Immunizations personnel can quickly educate people on which form of the vaccine they may receive, and if people are medically eligible [the vast majority of people can receive one or the other].
     Both forms of the vaccine are very effective, and are incapable of causing the flu, according to Matthews. While some people may develop some brief, limited side effects, they are minor and easily managed. These side effects are actually caused by the body's immune system shifting into high gear, and are not the illness itself. These side effects can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
     "The bottom line is the best strategy in fighting influenza is to wash your hands and use hand sanitizer frequently, practice cough/sneeze discipline [cough/sneeze into your elbow]) and receive the influenza vaccine," Dr. Matthews said. "The vaccine is required yearly because the flu virus changes year-to-year. Last year's vaccine will not reliably protect you from the flu virus that is prevalent this year. This year's vaccine contains all prevalent strains, including H1N1."
     The Immunizations Clinic on Fairchild is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The flu vaccine is available to all Active Duty, dependents, spouses, retirees, government service employees and contractors who hold a current DOD ID card and are covered under TriCare. The location in the clinic is on the first floor just past Radiology and Pediatrics, room 149. For more information, call 247-5284.