Yokota AB prepares for flu season

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kevin West
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Yokota Air Base, Japan --  Members of the 374th Airlift Wing began receiving their annual flu shots, Sept. 12, 2017, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

Flu season typically occurs during the fall and winter when the weather starts to become cold.

“There are many flu viruses and they are always changing,” said Tech. Sgt. Nicole Hernandez, 374th Medical Group. “Each year a new flu vaccine is made to protect against three or four viruses that are likely to cause disease in the upcoming flu season. But even when the vaccine doesn't exactly match these viruses, it may still provide some protection.”

Department of Defense, Active Duty and Reserve personnel can receive flu shots at the Immunizations Clinic Monday and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. They are closed for lunch 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Flu shots are mandatory for all Active Duty service members and the deadline for them is December 15, 2017.

“Right now we are only immunizing DoD, Reserve, Active Duty, high risk patients (asthmatics, diabetics, etc.) and individuals over the age of 65,” said Hernandez. “We haven't received our full shipment of vaccine. We are expecting the rest of our vaccine to arrive sometime in October. Once we receive that shipment, we will announce the availability to the rest of the population.”

For more information about getting your flu shot contact the Immunizations Clinic at 225-8864.