Flu vaccines expected at JBSA clinics in coming weeks

  • Published
  • By Robert Goetz
  • Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph Public Affairs

With flu season quickly approaching, health care professionals throughout Joint Base San Antonio are awaiting the arrival of this year’s vaccine supplies and encouraging beneficiaries to receive their flu shots once the vaccines are available.

Capt. (Dr.) Adam Faizi, 359th Medical Group director of immunizations, said this year’s vaccine is similar to last year’s.

“It will protect against the two types of influenza A – the H1N1 and H3N2 viruses – and two influenza B virus strains,” he said. “Last year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there were fewer hospitalizations and deaths due to the flu compared to the previous year.”

Only injectable flu shots are recommended by the CDC for use this flu season, Faizi said.

“The CDC has stated the nasal mist, a live attenuated influenza vaccine, is not recommended because of concerns about its effectiveness,” he said.

The flu is spread throughout the year, but is most common during the fall and winter months, Faizi said. Influenza activity typically begins to increase in October and November, peaking during the winter months and continuing as late as May.

“Flu viruses circulate where there are a lot of people in close proximity such as schools, workplaces and day care centers,” he said.

It is impossible to predict what each flu season will bring, Faizi said. Flu activity during the 2015-2016 season was lighter compared to the 2014-2015 season, which the CDC described as “moderately severe.”

“Last year we saw milder cases,” he said.

The CDC describes the flu as a “contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.”

“The flu is a virus like the common cold, but it’s more severe, more virulent,” Faizi said.

Symptoms range from sore throat, runny nose and cough to fever, muscle aches and more serious problems.

Most cases of the flu are mild, but serious outcomes include hospitalization or death. People most at risk for flu-related complications are the very young, the elderly, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems and/or chronic diseases.

However, the flu can be prevented through vaccination, Faizi said.

“When you have the flu, your body will fight it off on its own by developing its own antibodies, but when you’re vaccinated, you will already have the antibodies to fight it off,” he said. “Everyone should receive the vaccine yearly starting at the age of 6 months. The first flu vaccination starts with a two-dose series a month apart with each dose half the normal dose.”

Faizi compared receiving the flu vaccine to wearing a seatbelt.

“You’re more likely to die from being infected by the flu virus than by other viruses,” he said. “Just as wearing a seatbelt helps prevent the possibility of injury or death in a vehicle accident, receiving the flu vaccine reduces the possibility of hospitalization or death.”

Studies appear to confirm the effectiveness of flu vaccines.

“A 2014 study covering the years 2010 to 2012 showed the flu vaccine reduced a child’s risk of being admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit by 74 percent,” Faizi said. “A study this year showed it reduced the risk for people 50 and older to be admitted to an ICU by 57 percent.”

Although the vaccine is safe for most people, anyone who has had a severe allergic response or adverse reaction to the vaccine should consult with a provider before being immunized, he said.

Once flu vaccine supplies arrive, the 359th MDG will establish flu lines at active-duty units, followed by the Randolph schools, the JBSA-Randolph Exchange and the medical clinic during busy times.

Immunization clinic hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday. Smallpox vaccinations by appointment only are reserved for 3:30 p.m. Friday, but if none are scheduled, the clinic remains open until 4:30 p.m.

JBSA immunization clinic phone numbers are: JBSA-Fort Sam Houston, 916-3077 for pediatrics and 916-3011 for adults; JBSA-Lackland, 292-2345 and JBSA-Randolph, 652-3279.