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Flu vaccinations now available for active-duty military members

  • Published
  • 51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  The 2011 flu vaccination is now available for all active-duty military members. The medical group will be making rounds through each unit, but the vaccines are also available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the base immunization clinic. Information will be released once the clinic receives more vaccinations for family members and civilian employees.

Important Safety and Eligibility Information for the FluMist vaccination:

What is FluMist® (Influenza Vaccine Live, Intranasal)?
FluMist is a vaccine that is sprayed into the nose to help protect against influenza. It can be used in children, adolescents, and adults ages 2 through 49. FluMist may not prevent influenza in everyone who gets vaccinated.

Who should not get FluMist?
You should not get FluMist if you: are allergic to eggs, gentamicin, gelatin, or arginine; have ever had a life-threatening reaction to influenza vaccinations; or are 2 through 17 years old and take aspirin or medicines containing aspirin--children or adolescents should not be given asprin for 4 weeks after getting FluMist unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. Children under 2 years old should not get FluMist because there is a chance they may wheeze (have difficulty with breathing) after getting FluMist.

Who may not be able to get FluMist?
Tell your healthcare provider if you: are currently wheezing; have a history of wheezing if under 5 years old; have had Guillain-Barré syndrome; have a weakened immune system or live with someone who has a severely weakened immune system; have problems with your heart, kidneys, or lungs; have diabetes; are pregnant or nursing; or are taking Tamiflu®, Relenza®, amantadine, or rimantadine.

What are the most common side effects of FluMist?
The most common side effects of FluMist are runny or stuffy nose; sore throat; and fever over 100 degrees F.

Some tips on preventing the flu are: 

--Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based products to protect from germs. Turn on the water, rinse hands, pour soap into hands and lather for at least 20 seconds getting between fingers and under nails. Rinse hands again, use a paper towel to dry hands and to turn off water. Also use the paper towel to open the door.

--Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and do not expose others to you or your family if sick.

--Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread when you touch something with germs and then touch your eyes, nose, or mouth.

--Stay home from work or school when you are sick as it puts others at risk, as well as yourself and slows your recovery.

--Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. This will help keep others from being exposed to germs and getting sick. Be sure to throw away the tissues immediately after use.

--The single best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits can help protect against the flu. All personnel will receive a seasonal vaccination and also an H1N1 vaccination, which is a two shot series.

For more information visit the following websites: http://www.cdc.gov/flu or http://www.flumist.com.