Why get the flu shot?

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Barbara Plante
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.  The coughing, fever, headache, sore throat, and runny nose that come with the flu can be enough to keep you bedridden for a week or more but most importantly, per Air Force Influenza Immunization Program guidance, the annual influenza vaccination is mandatory for uniformed personnel.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention the flu vaccines work because they cause antibodies to develop in the body and these antibodies provide protection against infection.   The best time to get your flu shot is early in the fall as it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against influenza virus infection. 

Getting the flu shot is really a preventative measure to help keep the member and individuals around them healthy.  "I would like to see 100 percent coverage in the U.S. because once you get the flu the only thing you can do is supportive care such as rest and getting plenty of fluids," said 1st Lt. Shawn O'Haver, 944th Medial Squadron Officer-In-Charge of Immunization and emergency room nurse.

"We deploy warriors all over the world so we give flu shot and immunizations to make sure members are fit to fight."

O'Haver said that a common myth is that the flu vaccine can give you the flu.  The viruses in the flu shot are inactivated, so you cannot get the flu from a flu shot.  However, there could be some minor side effects that might follow the vaccination such as soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given, low grade fever or even minor body aces.   If you do have side effects, they begin soon after vaccination and should be mild and short-lived.  O'Haver also advised individuals to do 5 to 10  pushups to help combat any soreness from shot.

It is mandatory for members of the 944th Fighter Wing to get their annual flu shot in the next couple of months.  Below is the schedule for that opportunity:


Sunday, 25 Oct. 2015
Hanger 999/944th ASTS 1000-1200

Saturday, 7 Nov. 2015
56th Medical Group/Base Clinic 0800-1200
Hanger 999/944th ASTS 1300-1600
 
Sunday, 8 Nov. 2015
Hanger 999/944th ASTS 1000-1200
 
Saturday, 5 Dec. 2015
56th Medical Group/Base Clinic 0800-1200
Hanger 999/944th ASTS 1300-1600
 
Saturday, 9 Jan. 2016
56th Medical Group/Base Clinic 0800-1200