Never fear, FluMist is here!

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 436th Medical Group recently hosted flu vaccination days Oct. 2 and 3 at the base clinic for active-duty members.

The clinic administered influenza vaccines to more than 1,000 Airmen during the walk-in vaccinations day in less than 10 minutes without making any prior appointments.

"We initiated 'vaccination day' as soon as the clinic was provided FluMist because our squadron worked to ensure the warfighters could conveniently stay prepared with their health so that it doesn't hinder mission accomplishment," said Capt. Francis Obuseh, 436th Aerospace Medicine Squadron community and occupational health element chief, who participated in the event.

"Many active-duty members received the FluMist, a gentle nasal mist delivered into the nose and specified for active immunization for the prevention of disease caused by influenza A and B viruses in non-pregnant, healthy persons aged 2-49 years," said Captain Obuseh.

Many active-duty members were administered the FluMist rather than the flu shot.

"The FluMist protects against being infected with flu virus better because it's more effective and it has a longer efficacy than the flu shot," said Staff Sgt. James Harrison, 436th AMDS NCO in-charge of the immunization clinic. "The FluMist lasts up to six months, where as the flu shot only lasts up to four months.

"The FluMist lasts longer to defend the body from attacks during the flu season from December to March," he said.

Dover's active-duty Airmen are required to stay on top of their mandatory flu vaccination during the month of October according to Air Force Instruction 10-250 and per commander's direction. The walk-in vaccination day allowed Airmen to keep their individual medical readiness records up to date.

"Flu vaccination day has also allowed us to identify other mandatory requirements for more than 70 shots to include typhoid, hepatitis and anthrax as well," said Sergeant Harrison. "Though we've already offered the flu vaccine, it's not too late for Airmen to receive their FluMist."

For those who did not attend flu vaccination day, the clinic is open for shots everyday and the Medical Group will host another vaccination day Oct. 17 in room 2A on the second floor in the clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For information about the 436th Medical Group vaccination day, call the Immunization Clinic at 677-2478 or 677-2681. Additional information can be found on the Web-site: www.flumist.com

Editor's note: Please notify medical personnel if you have an allergy to eggs, latex or may be pregnant or immune-compromised. You may need a prescription from your physician to receive the flu vaccine.