Bagram gets flu-season ready, members receive Flumist

Courtesy Photo | Army Lt. Col. Bryan Stewart, Combined Joint Task Force-82 comptroller and Columbia, Tenn., native, prepares to take Flumist, as a medical technician instructs him how to administer the vaccine at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, Oct. 11. Flumist is one type of annual Influenza vaccine that protects people against the flu. This vaccine is a live attenuated (weakened) influenza virus sprayed into the nostrils and inhaled rather than injected into the muscle.  

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AFGHANISTAN

10.12.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

By Senior Airman Dilia DeGrego
Combined Joint Task Force-82 Public Affairs Office

BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan – With winter right around the corner, service members are preparing to combat an enemy that kills thousands each year – influenza, better known as "the flu."

Each year, approximately 36,000 people die from flu, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In an effort to prevent the infection and spread of the flu, medical professionals here are vaccinating service members with flumist.

Flumist is one type of annual Influenza vaccine that protects people against the flu. This vaccine is a live attenuated (weakened) influenza virus sprayed into the nostrils and inhaled rather than injected into the muscle.

"We are trying to get everyone vaccinated by October 31," said Air Force Capt. Liane Larson, Task Force Med public health officer. "With flu season right around the corner, people will be glad they got it. It only takes a few minutes (to get vaccinated)."

A common misconception many people have is that that once you have been vaccinated, you don't need to be again, however, that is not the case.

"Influenza viruses are always changing," said Army Maj. Paul Ciminera, Combined Joint Task Force-82 surgeon cell preventive medicine physician, agrees. "Because of this, influenza vaccines are updated every year, and people need to get vaccinated annually. Additionally, it is required of all service members be vaccinated."

Recently vaccinated Army Sgt. Maj. Roy Burmeister, CJTF-82 senior enlisted Army Reserve affairs liaison, stressed the importance of leading by example.

"The leaders should take (Flumist) because they have to set an example for everyone. If their Soldiers see them take it then they will fall in line," he said. "(This vaccine) keeps you from getting the flu. (The flu) will take you out of the war-fight for at least a week, so (getting vaccinated) is good for your health. I encourage everyone to take it."

Army Chief Warrant Officer Michelle Kirby, CJTF-82 Combat Service Support Automation Management Office senior technician and Dayton, Ohio, native, agreed. "You're needed here, so we can't afford for you to be stuck up in the hospital or in your room because you didn't take your Flumist."

Side effects from Flumist occasionally include a runny nose, or a headache, but (the side effects) are much less severe than if they had the actual flu infection, said Ciminera, a Hauppauge, N.Y., native.

Flumist cannot be given to anyone who is pregnant, those with severe illness, or anyone who has ever had a serious allergic reaction to eggs or another vaccine component, or to a previous dose of influenza vaccine. Furthermore, adults 50 years of age and older should check with their healthcare provider before taking Flumist.

To get Flumist, service members can visit their unit-specific aid stations, or they can visit the Craig Joint-Theater Hospital.

"Service members can come to the main foyer of the hospital," said Larson. "We have an area set up specifically for Flumist there, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Also, if people are behind on any of their immunizations this is a great time to get up to date."

Additionally, members can visit the outpatient clinic at the hospital from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. local time daily to receive Flumist, however, wait time varies.

• Date Taken: 10.12.2007
• Date Posted: 10.12.2007 13:26
• Story ID: 12919
• Location: BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF