Annual flu campaign kicks off at Ellsworth

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Constance Jackson
  • 28th Medical Group
The 28th Medical Group's campaign to vaccinate members of the Ellsworth community against influenza is scheduled to begin Oct. 1.

Annually, influenza is responsible for 95 million infections, 25 million office visits, 225,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths. Despite these numbers, less than 40 percent of the United States population received the vaccine last season.

Influenza is a respiratory illness which occurs during the winter and early spring months. Symptoms of fever (100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), cough, body aches and fatigue can appear overnight. The flu is different from the average cold or upper respiratory illness, because it is not gradual. Symptoms are usually sudden and may be severe; a person may feel fine one day and the next be sick in bed. Recognizing the acute onset of these symptoms and seeking medical attention early, provides the greatest chance of successful treatment and recovery. Therefore, see a doctor if you think you may have the flu.

The flu vaccine is the single-most important step individuals can take to prevent this potentially deadly illness. Generally, it takes three weeks after immunization for the body to build immunity against influenza. Rates of infection are highest among children under 4 years of age. Rates of serious illness and death are highest among persons 65 years and older, children under 2 years of age and people of any age with chronic medical illnesses. Receiving the influenza vaccine can greatly reduce this risk; with immunizations beginning now, the Ellsworth community will be well-ahead of the worst part of flu season.

The vaccine will be available in two forms - mist and injection.

The intra-nasal FluMist will be given to most healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 49. This is a live, attenuated virus, unable to cause disease, and provides coverage for Influenza A and B. The influenza injection will be given to groups who fall into a high risk category: persons 6 to 23 months of age, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, immunosuppressed individuals, individuals with certain specific illnesses and individuals over 49 years of age. People who require the injection will be offered it first; those who prefer the injection will be allowed to get the injection, but only after those who require it receive it.

The 28 MDG will make "unit calls" to squadrons after Oct. 1 due to irregular work schedules. Immunizations for high-risk groups and the general population will begin after Oct. 14. Vaccines will be given according to the schedule below.

Active duty personnel:
Persons assigned to the 28th Maintenance Group and the 34th and 37th Bomb Squadrons will be able to receive vaccinations in the 37 BS ready room Sept. 29 to 30 - times are to be determined.

All other active duty personnel:
- Each Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the 28 MDG

Additional active duty dates are as follows:
- Oct.14 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. 28 MDG
- Oct. 29 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. 28 MDG

High Risk Population:
-Oct. 14 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. 28 MDG

General Population:
-Oct. 21 7:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. 28 MDG

Contact the 28 MDG Immunizations Clinic for specific locations and additional information at (605) 385-3365.