News

78th Medical Group now offering flu vaccines

  • Published
  • By 78th Medical Group
  • 78th Air Base Wing
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  The 78th Medical Group has flu vaccines available on a first-come, first-serve basis for active duty, family members and retirees. A limited number of vaccine doses will also be available for the base civilian work force no later than Aug. 30 through the Occupational Health clinic in Bldg. 207.

The vaccine is available as both an injection and nasal mist. The flu vaccine is mandatory for active duty members and required for health care workers involved in direct patient care, as well as for child development center workers.

The 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against an influenza A H3N2 virus, an influenza B virus and the H1N1 virus that emerged in 2009 to cause a pandemic.

The best protection against the flu is to receive an annual flu vaccine. The CDC recommends everyone 6-months and older get vaccinated.

Children younger than 6 months are at high risk, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead.

Staying healthy is key to reducing the risk of catching the flu during this year's influenza season.

Everyone should remember to:
  •  Wash your hands frequently.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay home, if possible, if you are sick.
  • Muffle coughs and sneezes with tissue instead of bare hands; discard the tissue immediately, then wash your hands using soap and water or a hand sanitizer. If no tissue is available, cough into your elbow or shoulder.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; cold and flu viruses enter your body through these areas.
  • Drink plenty of fluids, exercise regularly and eat healthy.
  • If you smoke, quit - smoking increases the severity of the flu if you do become infected.
For more information or to check on vaccine availability, call 327-7922.