Ellsworth flu vaccination campaign underway Published Nov. 13, 2009 28th Medical Group ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- With this year's influenza season hosting a presence of both H1N1 and seasonal flu, the 28th Medical Group is taking steps to ensure its patients are immunized. This effort includes seasonal flu vaccines for all active duty. An additional 2,000 doses are available to family members and retired members on a first-come, first-serve basis, and are encouraged for everyone six months and older. The local community also has seasonal flu vaccines available, which are covered under TRICARE, said Lt. Col. David Roll, 28th Medical Operations Squadron chief nurse. "There are two methods of administering the seasonal flu vaccine, by the nasal spray (a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that does not cause the flu) or the flu shot, an inactivated vaccine (containing a killed flu virus) that is given with a needle," Colonel Roll said. "It is expected that most, if not all of our H1N1 vaccine at Ellsworth will be in the needle form." The 28 MDG has not received the H1N1 influenza vaccine in sufficient quantities for mass immunization yet, but expects shipments soon, Colonel Roll said. There are two completely independent supplies of the H1N1 vaccine. One is purchased by the Department of Defense for all active-duty personnel, and another is purchased by the Department of Health and Human Services for the general population. Both are currently due to arrive at separate times and in different amounts throughout November 2009. "Upon receiving more vaccines, there will be enough of a supply to immunize anyone who wishes to be vaccinated," Colonel Roll said. "However, because the vaccine supplies are limited at this time, the first priority must be to immunize those who have the highest risk of having serious seasonal flu-related complications with on influenza infection. These high risk groups for H1N1, are slightly different than those included for the seasonal flu, and include the following: · Pregnant women · All people from six months through 24 years of age · Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age · Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel; · Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza. After these targeted groups have been vaccinated, the vaccines will be made available to everyone else who desires to be inoculated. Ellsworth members should not be frightened by the H1N1 because the symptoms and severity are similar to the seasonal flu. Like the seasonal flu shot, it is not recommended that children younger than 6 months receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine. The CDC cautions that the immune system of children that young is not that well-developed and cannot handle the inoculation. According to the Center for Disease Control Web site, children six months to nine years of age who have not received the influenza vaccine previously, are advised to receive two doses. "For these young patients, successful immunization requires an initial shot, waiting a month, and then administering a second shot," said Col. John Lynch, 28 MDG chief of staff. "The first dose "primes" the immune system; the second dose provides immune protection." Along with vaccination services, the 28 MDG provides a direct phone line to their immunization clinic at (605) 385-3365. This line prompts to connect the customer to the latest information on availability of both seasonal and H1N1 flu immunizations. Clinic personnel have also been educating patients about how to cope during the flu season with presentations at wing staff meetings. These presentations include how to identify what patients should do should they suspect they have contracted seasonal or H1N1 flu. "If patients experience flu-like symptoms (a fever over 100 degrees and a cough or sore throat) it's important that you stay home to recover, and not go to work, school and other social activities where you could infect others," said Colonel Roll. "If your condition worsens, please call the 28 MDG appointment line where you will be triaged for the appropriate level of medical care needed." Symptoms of both the seasonal and H1N1 flu that are not normal and require an emergency room visit include but are not limited to: Adults · Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath · Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen · Sudden dizziness · Confusion · Severe or persistent vomiting Children · Fast breathing or trouble breathing · Bluish or gray skin color · Not drinking enough fluids · Severe or persistent vomiting · Not waking up or not interacting · Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held · Flu-like symptoms which improve but then return with fever and worsening cough To avoid spreading the flu, people must act carefully and with prudence. This involves getting flu vaccinations, frequent hand washing, covering mouths when coughing, drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of sleep, good nutrition and staying at home when you're sick, Colonel Roll said. For more information on home care for Airmen and their families, please visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm or contact the Immunization Clinic at (605) 385-3365.