Its not too late to vaccinate! Published Jan. 16, 2010 By By Maj. Cheryl Magnuson 6th Medical Group Public Health MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Jan 10 - 16 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. Vaccination is the single best way to protect yourself and the people you love from influenza. The 6th Medical Group Immunizations Clinic is currently vaccinating against both H1N1 flu (formerly called Swine flu) and seasonal flu viruses. Immunization technicians are visiting squadrons around the base to make sure all active duty members receive their mandatory flu shots and stay mission ready. The vaccine supply is now sufficient and everyone is encouraged to receive the vaccines. Stop by the clinic, located in the northeast corner of the Medical Group and get protected against flu. TriCare members may also obtain their H1N1 flu shots at CVS Pharmacies. This Flu season has been a very long one and it shows no signs of letting up. The H1N1 flu started causing problems back in June and has become the most common flu virus circulating in the local area and around the country. As of Jan. 5, there's been 10 deaths of military medical beneficiaries attributed to H1N1 flu (two active duty members, five family members and three retirees - fortunately none locally). The 6 MDG has also seen cases of other seasonal flu viruses. Seasonal flu usually peaks in this area after the holidays when the snowbirds arrive in droves. Therefore Public Health members recommend vaccinating against both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu. You can receive both shots at the same time. Through the years, millions of seasonal flu vaccines have been given safely, and this year millions of people have also safely received the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. A separate vaccine was made to protect against 2009 H1N1 flu since this new virus was detected after production of the seasonal flu vaccine had already begun. The H1N1 flu vaccine is produced in the same way by the same manufacturers as seasonal flu vaccine. Any side effects that have occurred since people started receiving the 2009 H1N1 vaccine have been similar to those experienced following seasonal influenza vaccine. Detailed information is available at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety.htm Flu vaccines are very safe and effective and closely monitored for any potential side effects. It's important to realize the flu vaccine cannot give you the flu. Why? Because the injected flu shot contains inactivated (killed) viruses, and the nasal spray contains attenuated (weakened) viruses and cannot cause flu illness. If you get the flu soon after getting the flu vaccine, it means that you may have been exposed to the virus shortly before getting vaccinated or during the two-week period it takes the body to gain protection after getting vaccinated, or you are sick with a non-flu respiratory virus with symptoms similar to those of the flu. While vaccination is the most effective way to avoid the flu, other preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, use of hand sanitizer, covering your cough with tissue or sleeve, staying home or away from others when sick and disinfection of common surfaces are also advised. For more information, visit these websites or contact Public Health at 827-9601 http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm http://www.hillscountyhealth.org/ http://fhp.osd.mil/aiWatchboard/ http://www.vaccines.mil/