Two flu shots are necessary this year

  • Published
  • By Nancy Driscoll
  • 452 AMW Public Health Office
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. --  The 2009-10 Influenza Season has arrived, just as it does every year at this time. What makes this year different and more challenging for each of us is the presence of an unexpected new influenza virus, the 'Novel A-H1N1 Virus (first called Swine Flu)' which appeared for the first time in humans in March, 2009. 

In just over 90-days it spread worldwide, resulting in the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the A-H1N1 virus had achieved Pandemic Influenza levels in June, 2009. As a result, this influenza season we have the usual mix of seasonal influenza viruses circulating, as well as the A-H1N1 virus. 

Fortunately, the Novel A-H1N1 virus, to date, has not demonstrated a level of illness severity or lethality much different from our usual circulating seasonal viruses. The symptoms are much the same, but the populations, age groups, affected are different from the Seasonal Flu. 

The great news for all of us is that our great scientific and medical communities around the world were able to develop a vaccine for the Novel A-H1N1 virus in less than six-months, complementing the Seasonal Trivalent Flu Vaccine formulated in late 2008 for use in the 2009-10 flu season. 

Influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing influenza infections and its complication. Seasonal Flu vaccine will not protect you against the Novel A-H1N1 virus and the A-H1N1 Flu vaccine will not protect you against the Seasonal Flu. You NEED BOTH! 

As you have heard from multiple sources--work, school, radio, television, newspapers, your health care providers, and yes, from your supervisors, commanders, and workmates here at March ARB--get your flu shots! Seasonal and Novel A-H1N1. The Seasonal flu vaccine has been available and provided since mid-September; the Novel A-H1N1 is expected to be in our local Southern California communities by mid-October. 

The goal for everyone is to get their Seasonal Flu shot NOW! Everyone who is six months of age and older should get the seasonal flu shot. Priority groups are: all children 6 months to 18 years old; adults over 50 years old; pregnant women (any trimester); any child/adult with chronic lung, heart, liver, kidney disease or diabetes; healthcare personnel and care givers of children less than five years of age. 

Target groups for the Novel A-H1N1 shots among Active, Guard, Reserve and mission essential civilians are: deployed overseas, deploying or hard tasked; medical personnel providing direct patient care; training sites, academies and mission essential/critical civilians/contractors.