RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
With colder weather and flu season approaching, Team Randolph physicians are informing Airmen, their family members and retirees that flu vaccinations will be available near the end of October.
Although the date is yet to be determined, information on when will be sent out through official channels.
"We anticipate starting flu vaccinations by the end of October," said Capt. (Dr.) William Chu, 12th Medical Group pediatrician. "The priority for vaccinating is first to healthcare providers, then to active-duty Airmen, then to spouses and family members. School-age children will be vaccinated at base schools. "
Captain Chu said children are common vectors, or transmitters, of the influenza virus.
"When they get it, they usually end up fine, but it's often the elderly who catch it from infected children who can end up in the hospital," Captain Chu said.
Captain Chu also said 12th Medical Group Airmen will visit base schools at the end of October to vaccinate students. Anyone over two years of age gets the flu mist.
Captain Chu said diabetics and asthmatics have priority in getting vaccinated and should inform the clinic of their medical status to receive that priority. A lot more vaccine will be available this year because manufacturers have planned better, he said.
Flu vaccinations are mandatory for all active-duty Airmen, who will receive a nasal mist vaccination unless other medications they're taking prevent it. Unit deployment managers and squadron first sergeants will get a by-unit vaccination schedule when the flu vaccine becomes available and two vaccination make-up dates will be announced at a later date.