Don't let flu get you: Vaccines now available

By U.S. ArmyOctober 20, 2016

Flu vaccine
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VICENZA, Italy -- United States Army Health Center-Vicenza has kicked off its annual Army Flu Campaign. Influenza vaccination is mandatory for uniformed personnel and health care personnel who provide direct patient care and recommended for all others.

In the United States, influenza results in more than 40 million reported cases, over 750,000 hospitalizations due to serious complications, and up to 50,000 deaths annually.

"Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses," said Maj. Orlando Ruiz Sosa, Vicenza's chief of preventive medicine and public health nursing, which oversees the immunization program. "The best way to protect against the flu and its complications is to get vaccinated every year and practice good hand hygiene.

"I advise people to wash their hands frequently, avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth; and to use hand sanitizers frequently when soap and water are not available. Each year, flu season typically extends from October to May. The type of vaccine an individual receives will depend on age and contributing health factors. This is determined during the pre-vaccination screening process."

For the 2016-2017 influenza season, the Army has contracted a total of 1.66 million doses of influenza vaccine. This amount ensures that vaccination against influenza is available for all Soldiers and beneficiaries. The Vicenza campaign will use Flulaval, Fluarix, Afluria and Fluzone injectable doses only.

The Flulaval and Fluarix are inactivated vaccines given by intra-muscular injection. It is approved for patients three years of age and older. The Afluria pre-filled syringe and multidose vial is indicated for patients nine years of age and older. The Fluzone pediatric dose pre-filled syringe is an inactivated influenza vaccine, indicated for children ages six to 35 months only. The injectable vaccine will also be administered to beneficiaries older than 49 years.

"Active-duty military personnel need to coordinate immunization with their units to receive their flu vaccine. Please remember to bring your military ID card and your family's shot records," Sosa added.

For children younger than three years and pregnant women, contact the immunization clinic at USAHC-V. It is open Monday through Friday, 8-11:15 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. The flu outreach events for the community, DoDEA schools and military members are as follows:

Civilian beneficiaries and Dept. of the Army civilians:

 Oct. 17, 18, 20 and 26: back of health clinic, first floor, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

 Oct. 19: Retiree Appreciation Day, back of health clinic, first floor, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

 Oct. 26: back of health clinic, first floor, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

 Nov. 7, 8, 9 and 10: back of health clinic, first floor, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

 Nov. 14, 17, 18 and 28: back of health clinic, first floor, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Military only:

Del Din

 Nov. 1: 2-503 Rear D (AM)/HHC BDE (PM), 6:30-11:30 a.m.

 Nov. 2, 3 and 4: BEB/USARAF, 6:30-11:30 a.m.

 Nov. 7, 8, 9 and 10: BSB, 6:30-11:30 a.m.

Ederle

 Oct. 19: 386th Transportation, back of health clinic, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

 Oct. 31: 3/529th MP, back of health clinic, 8-9:30 a.m.

 Nov. 1: USAG-Italy MP, back of health clinic, 8-9:30 a.m.

 Nov. 2, 3 and 4: USARAF, back of health clinic, 6:30-11:30 a.m.

 Nov. 7, 8, 9 and 10: 1-503D, back of health clinic, 6:30-11:30 a.m.

 Nov. 21, 22 and 23- USARAF, 207th/307th & 414 CSB, back of health clinic, 6:30-11:30 a.m.

DoDEA Schools: Students and Teachers only

 Oct. 21: Vicenza Middle School, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

 Oct. 24: Vicenza High School, 12:30-4 p.m.

 Oct. 25: Vicenza Middle School, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

 Oct. 27 and 28: Vicenza Elementary School, 7:30-11:30 a.m.

Makeup dates for civilian beneficiaries, DA civilians and active-duty members are Nov. 29 and 30 at the back of the health clinic, first floor, 9-11:30 a.m. and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

If a beneficiary cannot make one of these clinics, they may receive shots at the Immunization Clinic after Nov. 30.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention publish guidelines for influenza vaccinations, and the Army will follow those guidelines in its annual campaign. For more information on influenza and the benefits of receiving the annual vaccination, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.