Flu shots arriving this October for Laughlin

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, TX, UNITED STATES

09.28.2017

Story by Airman 1st Class Daniel Hambor 

47th Flying Training Wing

“We should have stock of the flu shot that’s readily available by the end of October at the latest,” said Senior Airman Sara Valeski, 47th Medical Operations Squadron allergy immunizations technician.

She says that these shots are an important, preventative measure from the alternative of having the flu.

“The flu is just like any other illness that’s transported by people who don’t wash their hands, touch other people, coughing,” she said. “People don’t understand that you could die from the flu, even as simply as being dehydrated or having a compromised immune system could land you in the [Intensive Care Unit].”

It’s important to stay current with the flu shot because it could save people from becoming sick and passing the sickness on to others. According to the Center for Disease Control, last year millions of people caught the flu, in which hundreds were even hospitalized.

With advancing technology and different compositions to the flu shot, according to Valeski, the formula is safe, and more readily available to all Airmen and their families.

“Technically, there is nobody that shouldn’t be able to get the shot,” Valeski said. “Sometimes, with pre-existing allergies you would find yourself having to wait a few days, but in the end [Airmen] are required to get the flu shot.”

Receiving the flu shot saves Airmen from multiple days of missing work due to sickness, and saves others from receiving the virus from close contact or being transferred from a sick individual.

To schedule your appointment at immunizations or learn practical ways to be protected from the flu, call the Laughlin clinic at [phone].

• Date Taken: 09.28.2017
• Date Posted: 10.04.2017 17:26
• Story ID: 249946
• Location: LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, TX, US
• Hometown: LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, TX, US