440th AW keeps Reservists combat ready by delivering flu shot

By Lisa Moore
440th AW PAO

December 8, 2011

	Photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Miller/440th AW PAO Tech. Sgt. Michelle Geers, a medical technician with the 440th Airlift Wing Medical Squadron, administers a seasonal flu shot to Master Sgt. Ronald Roberson, an instructor with the 440th Security Forces Squadron Combat Arms Training and Maintenance Squadron, at Pope Field.

More than 1,200 Reservists were on Pope Field this past weekend for the 440th Airlift Wing monthly unit training assembly. All were training to ensure that they are combat ready. Getting the recommended yearly flu shot is one of the ways the combat airlifters strive to stay physically fit.

The influenza vaccine can protect you from the flu or make your illness milder if you get a related but different influenza virus strain. It is recommended that everyone who can get the flu vaccine should.

Viruses in this season’s vaccine are the same viruses selected for the United States 2010-2011 influenza vaccine. The selected viruses remained the same because, according to the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these strains continue to be the main viruses causing human illness worldwide.

Although the influenza vaccine remained the same this year, it is recommended to get the vaccination yearly. Time, age and health status impact the length of immunity to the flu. Over the course of the year, immunity levels to the virus drop off.

This year vaccination provides protection from the following three viruses:
• An A/California/7/2009 (H1N1)-like virus;

• An A/Perth/16/2009 (H3N2)-like virus; and

• A B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.

For more information about the influenza vaccine on Pope Field, speak with health clinic advisors or logon to the Flu Information Center at the Fort Bragg Womack Army Medical Center website, www.wamc.amedd.army.mil.

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