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Get your flu shots now
Posted 10/28/2010 Updated 10/28/2010
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by Lt. Col. Charles D. Clinton
75th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander
10/28/2010 - HILL AIR FORCE BASE -- It is mandatory for all active duty personnel and all Guard and Reserve members of the military to receive the seasonal flu vaccine. This year's vaccine covers common flu viruses and the H1N1 virus. Unless military members have an exemption, they need to come to the medical group and receive their vaccine. As last year's experience with the H1N1 flu taught us, a new strain of the flu can spread rapidly around the world and may significantly impact our day-to-day operations. There is no reason to wait or delay receiving this vaccine.
Our dependents and retirees are highly encouraged to receive the vaccine. Essentially, everyone six months and older should get this vaccine. The Hill Medical Clinic has opened up the vaccine to all of the TriCare beneficiaries. Our primary focus group for vaccine continues to be on our higher-risk populations, but we're not turning people away if you're not in that group. If our supplies are running low and you don't want to wait, there are several local pharmacies which offer the vaccine at no cost to our TriCare Prime beneficiaries. Please visit www.tricare.mil/flu/ to search for a network pharmacy near you or call 888-TRIWEST to speak with a benefits advisor.
Also, we encourage all government civilian employees to receive the vaccine. Our civilian employees play a vital role in Team Hill's operations, and if we can minimize your chances of getting sick this cold and flu season, we want to do so. The Occupational Medicine Services Clinic has vaccine purchased by the 309th Maintenance Wing, DLA-J6U, DLA-DDHU and 75th ABW/SE. The OMS Clinic has scheduled traveling flu clinics with those organizations. If you have questions regarding flu clinics please contact the flu representative in your organization.
During every cold and flu season, I recommend a few simple ways to minimize spreading illness to others. Wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer several times a day, especially after you sneeze or cough or wipe your face. If you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth. If you don't have disposable tissues available, use the elbow of your shirt sleeve. Droplets of viruses can travel more than six feet away from you following a sneeze. Also, make sure that you are doing things on a daily basis to remain healthy such as eating a healthy diet, staying well hydrated, exercising and getting adequate rest. Finally, if you are sick, let your supervisor know and stay home. Most of the time, we do not need to see a doctor to get well from a virus. However, if needed please contact your primary care team for advice and to schedule an appointment if needed.
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