Staff Sgt. Alria De La Cruz, 15th Medical Group women’s health NCO-in-charge, vaccinates a patient with the H1N1 vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine is a Department of Defense required vaccination for all active duty members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez)

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Senior Airman Kyle Tomaszewski, 15th Medical Group immunization backup technician, vaccinates Greg Grose, Headquarters Pacific Air Forces bases and units branch chief, with the H1N1 vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine is a Department of Defense required vaccination for all active duty members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Gustavo Gonzalez)

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H1N1 shot available for all, active duty required

Published Feb. 16, 2010
By Senior Airman Nathan Allen
15th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hi -- Hickam Air Force Base has been stamping out the swine flu since its original outbreak. That effort continues today as the 15th Medical Group pursues its goal to vaccinate 100 percent of Air Force active duty members.

Lt. Col. Kai-Wood Ma, 15 MDG Senior Chief of Aerospace Medicine, said 72 percent of active duty members on base have been vaccinated to date. The base's goal is to achieve 100 percent by March 1. Airmen who have not been vaccinated by March 1 will appear "red" on the group's tracking system and their respective commander will be notified.

Ma also stated that the MDG has enough vaccines to accommodate active duty dependents as well as Department of Defense civilians, though they are not required. These shots will be given out optionally with regular medical appointments. Patients may also receive the shot from the immunizations clinic on a walk-in basis.

According to Maj. Douglas Webster, 15th Medical Group Public Health Flight Commander, it's still vitally important that people get vaccinated against H1N1 despite the signs that the flu season may be dying down.

"The flu season is not over yet. As recently as January 15, 7 states were still reporting regional flu activity, so flu is still out there, " he said.

Webster reinforced the importance of the immunization by citing an example in history when flu victims were misled by the disease's circulation. During the 1957-1958 flu pandemic, flu activity dropped in December and January. Public health officials assumed the worst was over, and stopped encouraging people to get vaccinated. Then flu activity increased abruptly in February and March, and hospitalizations and deaths increased as well.

"The season is not over. It's still important to get vaccinated against the flu and be as prepared as possible if activity increases again this season," Webster said.

For more information on receiving the vaccine, contact the 15 MDG appointment line at 448-6000.