Flu vaccine supplies expected this month

By Bruce RussellOctober 10, 2014

Flu vaccinations for adults are temporarily unavailable at the General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital due to a delay in shipment from the manufacturer.

According to GLWACH officials, the delay is temporary, and an ample supply has been ordered for the post population and expected by the end of this month.

The hospital does have pediatric vaccine for children 6 to 36 months of age at the Immunization Clinic.

Adults needing the vaccine immediately should visit www.tricare.mil/VaccinesSoar092214 for information on obtaining their influenza vaccination now at no cost. To find a pharmacy or provider that participates in the vaccine program and to see a list of covered vaccines, go to www.tricare.mil/vaccines or call 1-877-363-1303.

Unless having a condition that prohibits use of the vaccine, GLWACH said it is imperative that everyone receives their annual flu vaccination.

Those who receive their influenza vaccination outside of the post hospital should bring vaccination documentation to update their electronic medical record.

Flu season begins in November and continues through May, with the highest number of cases usually occurring in February.

The seasonal flu vaccine is comprised of the three or four most common strains of the influenza virus that the Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization believe are most likely to cause flu in the upcoming year.

A common misconception is that the flu shot can give you the flu.

The viruses contained in the flu shot are either killed or weakened, which means that they are not capable of causing the flu.

Those who were vaccinated in the past and got the flu shortly thereafter more than likely were already exposed to the flu prior to vaccination or were exposed to a less common strain of the flu that was not included in vaccination.

Some minor side effects can occur, as the traditional injection can cause injection-site soreness, muscle pain, low-grade fever and body aches. Common side effects of the inhaled FluMist are runny nose, sore throat, cough and headache. If these problems occur, they usually begin soon after the vaccination and can last up to 2 days.

To reduce the spread of flu, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 15-20 seconds each time. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Hand sanitizers are not meant to permanently replace traditional hand washing, which is still the best way to prevent spread of illness. You should also cover your nose/mouth when sneezing or coughing as well as avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth when you are sick.

Avoid close contact with sick people or sharing glasses and eating utensils.

These actions also prevent the spread of other respiratory illnesses like the common cold.

However, the absolute best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated (receive a flu shot). According to GLWACH, it is important that all questions be answered honestly during the screening process conducted before the flu vaccination.

This is extremely important for those with allergies, current illnesses, chronic medical conditions or past adverse vaccination reactions.

For more information about flu season, please visit the CDC website or speak to your primary care manager, or talk to an Army Public Health Nurse at the Community Health Resource Center at 573.596.0518.

(Editor's note: Bruce Russell is a public health administrative officer at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital)

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