Fight the flu

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Meagan K. Schutter
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  It's that time again...Flu season! As cold weather moves in, the 374th Medical Group has a solution to the seasonal issue with the influenza vaccines.

The immunization clinic is visiting squadrons around Yokota giving the shot or mist to Airmen. They will also be available for mass vaccinations at the Yokota Community Center Sept, 27.

"The flu is contagious and anyone who isn't vaccinated could have the potential of getting sick, which could ultimately effect mission readiness." said Staff Sgt. Melissa Spicer, 374th Medical Group, NCO in charge of the allergy and immunizations clinic.

Starting Sept. 1, the 374th Medical Group began vaccinating Airmen and their families to help prevent against the flu.

The vaccine isn't just available to Airmen and their families, but also to all DoD beneficiaries stationed at Yokota. No appointment is needed; the immunization clinic offers walk-in services. The hours are Mon.-Wed. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thurs. 7:30 a.m.to 3:30 and Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

"We usually give the nasal mist to healthy individuals ranging from two to 49 years old and give the shot to those who have medical conditions, also those who are pregnant, elderly and infants," Spicer said.

The flu vaccine is designed to protect against the top three influenza viruses that experts predict will be the most common during the flu season, according to the 374th Medical Group, allergy and immunizations clinic.

Washing hands often, covering mouths when coughing and avoiding sick people, are other ways to keep Yokota members healthy through the flu season.

For more information on how to avoid illness, visit the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm.