Flu shots to be available for civilians and military

  • Published
  • By Shawn Jacobs
  • AEDC/PA
Arnold Air Force Base, Tenn. --  This year, flu vaccine will be made available to Air Force Materiel Command's civilian workforce in addition to active-duty personnel and their family members.

Arnold AFB has always provided the vaccine to the Department of Defense (DOD) employees. However, not all installations have made that benefit available to the government's civilian workforce, according to Tech. Sgt. Naomi Bullock, non-commissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of Public Health at Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC).

Given the negative impact of the flu on workforce health and workplace productivity, AFMC Commander Gen. Donald Hoffman approved the purchase of vaccine for use in immunizing the command's civilian workforce during the 2011-2012 influenza season.

"Certainly this makes sense in terms of productivity lost to sick days," said AFMC Executive Director Dr. Steve Butler. "But it's also our goal to provide flu prevention to our many civilians serving alongside our military personnel. Rather than offer the vaccine to civilians 'if there's any left,' we wanted it to be available to them early in the flu season."

As the initial year for the AFMC Civilian Workforce Influenza Vaccine Program, line funds have been allocated to purchase a predetermined quantity of flu vaccine. Therefore, the vaccine program will be run on a first-come, first-served basis for the civilian workforce.

In keeping with General Hoffman's intent, medical treatment facilities within AFMC are making arrangements to offer civilian workers their flu vaccine in parallel with military members.

Locally, the flu vaccine will be available free of charge at the Arnold Medical Aid Station for all military members and their families, TRICARE beneficiaries and DOD civilians.

"If there is an ATA [Aerospace Testing Alliance] employee who is also a military retiree, they are also eligible to get the vaccine free of charge through the Medical Aid Station side," Sergeant Bullock said.

While vaccination is optional for civilians and military dependents, it is mandatory for active-duty personnel.

"In order to ensure that all active-duty military meet mandatory vaccination requirements, military personnel and their family members are eligible to get their flu vaccine starting Sept. 19 between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m.," Sergeant Bullock said.

Military service members, TRICARE beneficiaries and government civilian employees may receive the vaccine on a walk-in basis between the hours of 1 and 3 p.m. starting Oct. 3 through Oct. 14. Vaccine will still be available after Oct. 14 until supplies run out. After that date, however, appointments will need to be scheduled by calling 454-5351.

"If you are bringing a child 17 or under, please call to schedule an appointment," Sergeant Bullock said. "All others may come during the walk-in hours."

In addition, flu shots will be available for ATA employees and subcontractors at the CORE Occupational Health Dispensary Oct. 3 through Oct.14.

"You may make appointments beginning Sept. 26 by calling 454-5385 or 454-4567," Jessica McNeese, nurse practitioner for the Occupational Health Clinic, said. "Please do not leave a message as this will not schedule an appointment."

The cost for ATA and subcontractor employees will be $15. Patients are asked to bring exact change or to make checks payable to ATA.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. In the United States, flu activity typically peaks in January or February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease. However, some people - such as adults 65 years of age and older, children younger than 5 years old, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions - are at high risk for serious flu complications, so vaccination is especially important for them. The protection from vaccination will last throughout the flu season.

The following tips will also help people stay healthy:

· Wash your hands often
· Avoid close contact with those who are ill
· Stay home when you are sick
· Practice other good health habits (get plenty of sleep, drink plenty of fluids)