Seasonal flu vaccine here Published Oct. 7, 2011 By Lt. Col. Sharon Gober 6th Medical Operations Squadron commander MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Seasonal flu epidemics occur annually in the U.S., and estimates of flu-related events include 95 million infections, 25 million physician visits, 200,000 hospitalizations and an average of 36,000 deaths annually in the U.S. Influenza also contributes to cardiac events, premature births and low birth weight for infants. As with many illnesses, prevention is the key and immunization is the key to prevention. The Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices and the Center for Disease Control have issued universal recommendations to vaccinate all adults and children over the age of 6 months. Certain high risk groups are at greater risk of complications from flu and should especially be targeted for immunization. Therefore, the 6th Medical Group has begun a vaccination campaign with priorities aligned in accordance with ACIP and CDC guidelines. Those priorities include healthcare workers, school employees, childcare providers, children ages 6 months to 18 years, persons who care for an infant under the age of 6 months, adults aged 50 years or greater, adults with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and persons who live with or care for persons at high risk for flu-related complications. These high-risk groups represent a large segment of society. In fact, 83 percent of the United States population is included in one or more of these target groups. Be diligent in following preventive medicine guidelines, including frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer. Remember to cover a cough with tissue or sneeze into your sleeve (not hands!) Regular disinfection of common surfaces (countertops, door handles, telephones, etc) is also important. When possible, avoid contact with others who are ill and stay home when you feel ill. Most importantly, come see us at your Medical Group and receive your flu vaccine today. Additional information is available from the following resources: Military Vaccine Agency at http://www.vaccines.mil/ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/ Florida Dept of Health at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/DEMO/php/FluInfo.htm H1N1 Hillsborough County Flu Shot Hotline at 813-307-8073 National Flu Hotline at 1-877-352-3581 MacDill Public Health Flight at 827-9601 MacDill Immunizations Clinic at 827-9375