H1N1 vaccine-- come get it!

  • Published
  • By Capt. Mark Olsen
  • 95th Medical Group
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Edwards' Immunizations Clinic is now offering the H1N1 vaccine to everyone at Edwards. If you have not yet received this vaccine, please stop by the Immunizations Clinic.

The Immunizations clinic is a walk-in clinic with hours on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from  7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Wednesday from noon to 4:30 p.m., and on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  individuals should bring an identification card and any immunizations records.

"We're giving the vaccine to anybody right now," said Staff Sgt. Brandi Hart, 95th Medical Group Aerospace Medical Technician.  "We have so much of the vaccine and we want to be able to use it, so we're taking care of all of our patients, dependants, and their families, including contractors."

Sergeant Hart also explained that the H1N1 vaccine "is just another flu vaccine, just specific to the H1N1 strand.  Patients 65 and older, those who have immunity to H1N1 due to being exposed during childhood do not need to receive the vaccine."

"CDC [Centers for Disease Control] recommends influenza vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. Because supplies of 2009 H1N1 vaccines are ample, CDC is now encouraging everyone to get vaccinated, including people 65 years and older. Vaccination of people with certain health conditions is especially important because they are more likely to get serious flu-related complications. Health conditions that increase the risk of being hospitalized with 2009 H1N1 include lung disease like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart, or neurologic disease, and pregnancy."

The CDC is also still recommending that children 9 and younger receive a 2nd dose (just as with Seasonal Flu) to ensure adequate levels of protection. If your child received the initial dose and it has been at least 30 days, please bring them by for a booster.

It is important to remain vigilant in preventing the spread of flu. One option is to get the shot.  Additionally, follow these simple guidelines:

- Cover your cough
- Wash your hands
- Avoid touching your face
- Stay home when you are ill

Preventing the spread of flu, including the H1N1 virus is all of our responsibility. Please do your part to protect yourself and others around you.

For more information, call Public Health at 277-2244 or Immunizations at 277-3427.