916th prepares for flu season

  • Published
  • By Maj. Shannon Mann
  • 916th Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  The 916th Aerospace Medicine Flight began administering flu shots and flu mist during the September unit training assembly weekend. All reservists are expected to get their vaccination within the next few months.

The flu season, which generally lasts from January to March in North Carolina, is usually responsible for many deaths each year. The H1N1 strain is another concern for medical personnel this year, but as of right now there is no available vaccine to protect against it.

"There is no cross immunity for H1N1 in the vaccination we give," said Col. William Bobbitt, 916th AMDF commander. Col. Bobbitt explained that the H1N1 vaccine is being field tested right now, but it might not be an option for reservists to get on a drill weekend due to the predicted two-series vaccination cycle.

While the H1N1 might not be available, the current year's vaccine came out earlier than expected.

"I've never seen it happen this early," said Col. Bobbitt

As of Sept. 13, 481 Airmen had been vaccinated, which is almost half the wing.

See a video clip of the shot being administered on the 916th Air Refueling Wing's fan page at www.facebook.com