Immunization Clinic receives first shipment of Influenza vaccines

Senior Airman David Hoang, 5th Medical Operations Squadron allergy and immunizations technician, prepares to give a shot to Airman 1st Class Robert Padilla, 91st Missile Security Forces Squadron response force team member at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Sept. 16, 2015. The Immunization Clinic offers immunizations for viruses such as the flu and smallpox as well as allergy relief and pediatric shots. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

Immunization Clinic receives first shipment of Influenza vaccines

Senior Airman David Hoang, 5th Medical Operations Squadron allergy and immunizations technician, gives a patient a shot at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Sept. 16, 2015. The Immunization Clinic offers immunizations for viruses such as the flu and smallpox as well as allergy relief and pediatric shots. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

Immunization Clinic receives first shipment of Influenza vaccines

Senior Airman David Hoang, 5th Medical Operations Squadron allergy and immunizations technician, fills a syringe at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Sept. 16, 2015. The Immunization Clinic offers immunizations for viruses such as the flu and smallpox as well as allergy relief and pediatric shots. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

Immunization Clinic receives first shipment of Influenza vaccines

Senior Airman David Hoang, 5th Medical Operations Squadron allergy and immunizations technician, answers a call at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Sept. 16, 2015. The Immunization Clinic offers immunizations for viruses such as the flu and smallpox as well as allergy relief and pediatric shots. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

Immunization Clinic receives first shipment of Influenza vaccines

Published Sept. 22, 2015
By Senior Airman Stephanie Morris
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- The 5th Medical Group recently received an early shipment of the influenza vaccine at Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota.

The Immunization Clinic is currently only offering the vaccine to those at a higher risk of contracting the virus.

"We have received, very early, our first shipment of flu vaccine," said Lt. Col. Tasha Pravecek, 5th MDG commander. "This first shipment is only enough to cover our high-risk beneficiaries at this time. More flu vaccine will be available in October and November as the Air Force sends us additional shipments."

The Immunization Clinic classifies high-risk patients as:
· Those who are 65-years-old and above.
· Pregnant women in all trimesters.
· Patients who have heart, lung, or kidney disease, nervous system disorders or a weakened immune system.
· Children and infants.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year thousands of people in the United States die from the flu, and many more are hospitalized.
The CDC also identifies the flu as a contributing factor to more dangerous conditions such as pneumonia and blood infections as well as diarrhea and seizures in children.

There are many flu viruses and they are always changing. Each year a new vaccine is made to protect against viruses that are likely to cause the disease in the upcoming flu season, according to the CDC.

Receiving this early shipment will allow the 5th MDG to assist the bases most vulnerable patients earlier than expected for the season.

"The flu vaccine currently on hand is for members who are at least nine-years-old and above," said Master Sgt. Tiesha Glover, 5th Medical Operations Squadron flight chief family health. "We will update the base as soon as the vaccine for younger pediatric patients arrives."

Patients in the high-risk categories are encouraged to visit the Immunization Clinic during walk-in immunization hours, Glover said. The clinic is closed for lunch from 12-1 and flu vaccines are not given during smallpox and allergy clinic hours.
Patients who should not receive the vaccine include:
· Patients with severe, life-threatening allergies to the vaccine or ingredients contained in the vaccine. (most but not all flu vaccines contain a small amount of egg protein)
· Some people who have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome should talk with their doctor before receiving the vaccine.
· Patients who are feeling sick. It's usually okay to get the flu vaccine when you have a mild illness, but patients may be asked to wait to be vaccinated until they are feeling well again.

"The vaccine provides a way for us to protect our patients from contracting the Influenza Virus," said Senior Airman David Hoang, 5th Medical Operations Squadron allergy and immunizations technician. "It's especially important for high-risk patients such as children and the elderly who are not as well equipped to fight off the flu."

The CDC states that it takes approximately two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination and protection lasts through the flu season. There is no live flu virus contained in flu shots and they cannot cause a patient to contract the flu.