56th RQS Pararescuemen 48th Medical Group ... - RAF Lakenheath

Jet48Sports&FitnessInfluenza vaccine shortagesThe flu vaccine has arrived. However, supplies are severelylimited due to a manufacturing problem. Department of Defenseanticipates a shortfall of vaccine until late November. The activeduty flu drives scheduled the next several weeks have been postponeduntil further notice due to this shortage. The 48th MedicalGroup will first vaccinate operational forces critical in conductingthe Global War on Terrorism and to maintaining nationalsecurity. Patients enrolled at the 48th MDG who are at high riskfor complications from influenza are also considered high priorityfor the vaccine.People on long term aspirin therapy and less than 19years of agePregnant womanNursing home residentsCaregiver and household contacts of children less than 6months of ageHealth care worker with direct patient care contactThe following individuals are currently eligible to receive theinfluenza vaccine: Active duty personnel considered mission essential orhave orders to deploy within 60 days Adults 50 years of age or older Children 6 to 59 months of age People with a chronic disorder of the lungs, such asasthma, COPD, and emphysema. People with diabetes requiring insulin or other diabetesmedication not diabetes that is diet and exercise controlled People with kidney disease if the patient is on dialysis orhas end stage renal disease People with a weakened immune system if on longterm oral steroids, have cancer, an autoimmune disordersuch as lupus, are HIV positive, or received an organ transplant People with heart disease, such as history of congenitalheart disease, bypass or heart valve replacement surgery,or heart failurePhoto by Senior Airman Kristi EmlerBeneficiaries who fall into one of the above categories mayobtain the vaccine at their primary care clinic or the immunizationsclinic now. The vaccine will only be given if one of thesecriteria are met.While not everyone is eligible to receive the vaccine at thistime, take an active role in limiting the spread of the disease.Practicing healthy habits will help keep you well during the fluseason and all year long. Get plenty of sleep, be physicallyactive, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritiousfood, and wash your hands frequently. When sick or have flusymptoms, stay home, get plenty of rest, and check with a healthcare provider as needed. Remember, keep distance from othersmay protect others from getting sick. Sneezing can spread thevirus up to three feet into the air, so it is important to cover thenose or mouth with a shirt sleeve or tissue when coughing inorder to minimize the spread. Frequent hand washing with soapand water, or with an alcohol based hand cleaner is also important.An update on the vaccine status will be printed in futureissues of the Jet48.(Editors notes: information provided by the 48th Medical Group)JET 48 MAGAZINE PAGE 14 NOV. 3, 2006