With winter weather approaching, members of Team Tinker are being encouraged to get their annual flu vaccine.
“Historically, the new flu vaccine comes out in August and the way the DOD handles it is by distributing it to the people who are deployed first, then the other people overseas like European Command, Pacific Command and AFRICONN before it starts dispersing stateside,” said Tech. Sgt. Nathaniel Relph, 72nd Medical Group.
The flu vaccine for those 65 years and older is currently available at the Med Group and the flu vaccines for Airmen and civilians under 65 will be available at the end of October.
“You can get the flu virus year-round,” Relph said. “It becomes more prevalent in the winter season because we spend more time indoors.”
This year’s vaccine will protect against two A-strains and two B-strains of flu and, while no vaccine is 100% effective, it provides extra health security.
“With any vaccine you can still get sick with the disease or virus, but if you get the vaccine you will have a less severe case and better ability to fight off the virus,” Relph said.
Relph also said those who worry yearly about getting sick from their flu vaccine itself can put those worries to rest.
“The DOD orders the inactive virus and, because it’s an inactive virus, it’s impossible to make you sick. It’s a robust immune response,” Relph said. “With all vaccines you can get mild flu-like symptoms, which is an increase in temperature and a little achiness, and that is your immune system ramping up and building the antibodies you need to have. So, that’s actually a response we want.”
The Immunization Clinic does walk-in vaccinations from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the last shot being given at 3:30 p.m. For more information, call 582-6521.
“Vaccines save lives. Not only your life, but maybe the person who lives next door to you who can’t get vaccinated,” Relph said. “By being vaccinated, you’re protecting that person.”