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National Immunization & Influenza Vaccination Awareness Month - August 2012

What is it?

The month of August has been designated as National Immunization & Influenza Vaccination Awareness Month. It is critically important that every Soldier, family member, Department of the Army civilian and health beneficiary receive all required immunizations and obtain their influenza vaccinations to ensure the Army is a healthy and mission ready force. In the U.S., influenza results in over 25 million reported cases, over 150,000 hospitalizations due to serious complications and over 30,000 deaths annually. Vaccination is the primary method for preventing influenza and its complications.

What has the Army done?

Army Medicine is committed to ensuring that every Soldier, family member, DA civilian, healthcare provider and retiree receives the vaccines they need to stay healthy.

Immunizations are really the best protection against disease and have saved more lives than any other medical measure in history. According to Col. Richard Looney, Director of the Army's Military Vaccination (MILVAX) Program, Immunizations have prevented approximately 42,000 deaths and 20 million cases of disease over the past decade. Those preventive efforts have also saved billions of dollars in related healthcare costs and total societal costs, he added. Morbidity from vaccine-preventable diseases has fallen 90 percent or more for most diseases since the 20th century.

What continued efforts does the Army have planned for the future?

The Army will continue to aggressively educate all Soldiers, family members and other beneficiaries on the importance of keeping their immunizations up-to-date. For the 2012-2013 influenza season, the Army has contracted for two million doses of influenza vaccine. This amount will ensure that Soldiers and beneficiaries are protected against influenza. It is projected that manufacturers will begin delivering influenza vaccine to the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in August.

Why is this important to the Army?

Army Medicine is committed to ensuring that every Soldier, family member, DA civilian, healthcare provider and retiree receives the vaccines they need to stay healthy. Flu seasons are unpredictable and have the potential to impact force readiness and the Army's mission.

Army Medicine is Serving to Heal...Honored to Serve.

Resources:

Military Vaccine (MILVAX) Agency

Vaccines Healthcare Center Network (VHC)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)