Flu vaccinations for high-risk persons

  • Published
  • 82nd Aerospace Medical Squadron public health flight
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It's that time of the year again! The holidays are around the corner, which means influenza or flu season will soon be here. Most people who get the flu will experience a mild illness and recover in less than two weeks without the need for medical care or antiviral drugs. 

However, some people are more likely to experience flu-related complications, which can result in hospitalization and sometimes death. The flu can also worsen chronic health problems, such as asthma. We recommend persons fitting the descriptions below come to the 82nd Medical Group immunizations clinic for flu vaccine, or call 676-3757 for more information:

People at High Risk for Developing Flu-Related Complications:
·Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
·Adults 50 years of age and older
·Pregnant women (and women up to two weeks post-partum)
·Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

People who have verifiable medical conditions including:
·Asthma
·Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions, including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury.
·Chronic lung disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis
·Heart disease, such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease
·Blood disorders, such as sickle cell disease
·Endocrine disorders, such as diabetes mellitus
·Kidney disorders
·Liver disorders
·Metabolic disorders, such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders
·Weakened immune system due to disease or medication, such as people with HIV, AIDS, cancer, or those on chronic steroids
·People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
·People who are morbidly obese (calculate your body mass index to check if 40 or greater)

At this time, if you fall under any of the criteria listed above, you are eligible to get vaccinated today. We are awaiting shipment for the rest of vaccine supplies for the base population and will notify the public when that shipment arrives. For more information on the flu please contact the 82nd AMDS public health flight at 676-1874 or 676-3052 or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website at: www.cdc.gov/flu/