Flu vaccinations: Everyone’s doing it

link U.S. Air Force photo: Senior Airman Eboni Reece

U.S. Air Force Col. Tony Bauernfeind, 27th Special Operations Wing commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Randy Scanlan, 27 SOW command chief, receive their annual flu vaccine from two medical personnel Oct. 29 at Cannon Air Force Base. The Air Force has a goal of having 90 percent of military personnel vaccinated by mid-December, and Cannon is on track to surpass that goal by a month.

27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious disease that spreads throughout the United States each year, typically between October and May.

The Department of Defense is making sure service members get their flu shots because the illness has a significant potential to affect operational readiness in unvaccinated units. Even though the flu is often considered a mild virus, it contributes to the deaths of thousands of people in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Vaccination should occur before the onset of flu activity in the community,” said Lt. Col. Barbara Cain, 27th Special Operations Medical Operations Squadron commander. “Vaccinations are available now at Cannon, making it the opportune time to stop by the immunization clinic.”

The Air Force has a goal of having 90 percent of military personnel vaccinated by mid-December, and Cannon is on track to surpass that goal by a month.

There are two types of flu preventative available at Cannon: a nasal spray and a vaccination; each protect against four strands of the virus. No matter which method is preferred, the most important thing is to prevent early.

Flu is caused by different flu viruses and spreads mainly through coughing, sneezing and close contact with infected persons. Anyone can get flu, but the risk is highest among children. Annual flu vaccination is recommended for all persons six months of age and older that do not have any conditions that serve as reasons to withhold vaccination.

According to the CDC, flu affects each person differently and may impact specific groups more than others. Annual flu vaccinations are the most effective strategy for prevention of flu. It is also mandatory for all uniformed personnel as well as civilian healthcare providers who perform direct patient care in DoD military treatment facilities.

The flu can lead to pneumonia, cause diarrhea and seizures in children and can make existing medical conditions worse.

The immunization clinic is open for all active duty military, dependents, retirees, and DoD eligible personnel Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For more information, please call 575-784-4040.