RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BSAE, Texas –
The message from Randolph commanders and medical officials is clear: if you have not been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus yet, the time to do so is now, before readiness standings are adversely affected.
"We highly encourage Airmen to come in and get this done before we have to do by-name accountability reports to their squadrons," said Maj. (Dr.) Suzannah Simone, 359th Medical Operations Squadron pediatrics flight commander and immunizations officer-in-charge.
Another reason for getting the H1N1 vaccination now is because soon, the local San Antonio area will be exposed to mountain cedar. Already, the cold and flu season is among us with the colder weather and that's brought with it some adverse health effects.
Major Simone added if people normally affected wait until they feel better to get the H1N1 vaccine, they run the risk of becoming sicker than they normally would be if they just had the issues caused by allergies, colds and non-H1N1 flu.
She said the Randolph AFB Clinic has plenty H1N1 vaccine for Airmen, Tricare beneficiaries and for anyone deemed mission-essential, such as security forces personnel, fire and emergency medical services first responders, medical personnel--and also food-handlers and child care workers.
She added that those needing the vaccine, which will be given in shots either at the clinic or at the Base Theater during the afternoon of Feb. 19 and on Feb. 22 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., are making an intelligent choice to get it as soon as possible.
That's because there is a strong resurgence of the virus which may eventually hurt those not vaccinated.
"The swine flu is back," Major Simone added. "Remember, it takes two weeks to develop the antibodies to the virus after you get the shot and if you are exposed during that time frame and contract it, you are exposing others around you to it."
Major Simone said she has yet to see the virus infect anyone who's been vaccinated. The major also added that people have been using the fact that they got basic flu shots as an excuse to avoid getting the H1N1 vaccine. Another excuse to avoid H1N1 vaccination, she said, was the rumor circulating that current lots of the vaccine weren't strong enough to prevent being affected by the virus. Untrue, she said as is the rumor the H1N1 vaccine contains pork derivatives.
What is true, Major Simone said, is that the virus is especially hitting young children, the elderly and pregnant women. Children below the age of ten need not just to be vaccinated, but must also get a booster shot, which comes a month after initial vaccination.
The Centers for Disease Control said people who have medical conditions including asthma, neurological and neuro-developmental conditions, chronic lung disease, heart, blood disorders, endocrine, kidney, liver and metabolic disorders, a weakened immune system and people younger than 19 on long-term aspirin therapy are at risk for contracting H1N1 virus.
For more information on the H1N1 vaccinations, call 652-3975.