DSCR’s annual flu-shot clinics start Nov. 1
 
  By Compiled by Robert Cross, Fire Prevention Office assistant chief, Fire & Emergency Services
  It is flu season again and everyone should be taking precautions like covering mouths when coughing, washing hands often and getting a flu shot. This is a case where "not sharing is caring."  Defense Logistics Agency Installation Operations at Richmond, Virginia’s, Fire and Emergency Services are set to offer several flu-shot clinics for active duty military members and civilian government employees with a valid Department of Defense identification card.  DLA Aviation employees will be given shots from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 1-2 in the Frank B. Lotts Conference Center. DLA Distribution employees will be given their shots from 8 a.m. to noon Nov.14 in Building 66, D Bay.  An information sheet must be filled out and brought to get the shot. Download it here, complete it and bring it along with your Common Access Card when you come to the clinic.  Remember to wear clothing that can expose the upper arm without exposing anything else. Shots are administered in the upper arm.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza or flu is a contagious disease that spreads around the country every year, usually between October and May. The flu is caused by influenza viruses and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing and close contact.  Anyone can get the flu. Flu strikes suddenly and can last several days.  Symptoms vary by age, but can include:  • Fever/chills • Sore throat • Muscle aches • Fatigue • Cough • Headache • Runny or stuffy nose  The flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu, make the flu less severe if you do get it, and keep you from spreading the flu to your family and other people.  DLA Aviation uses the inactivated and recombinant flu vaccines.  A dose of flu vaccine is recommended every flu season. We will have high-risk doses available specifically for personnel who are aged 65 and older. This higher dose provides additional resistance to this population. It takes about two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination and protection lasts through the flu season.  There are certain people who should not get a flu shot. DLA Fire and EMS personnel along with Occupational Health Clinic staff will be on scene to conduct a health screening for your safety by asking some questions.  Please tell the person who is interviewing you or giving you the vaccine:  • If you have any severe, life-threatening allergies. • If you ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of flu vaccine, or have a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, you may be advised not to get vaccinated. Most, but not all, types of flu vaccine contain a small amount of egg protein. • If you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (also called GBS).  Some people with a history of GBS should not get this vaccine. This should be discussed with your doctor. • If you are not feeling well.  It is usually okay to get flu vaccine when you have a mild illness, but you might be asked to come back when you feel better.  For more information or questions, contact: Capt. Rick Ferrell,rickferrell@dla.mil, 804-279-3630 or Fire Chief Robert Cross,robert.cross@dla.mil, 804-279-1401.  Information in this article is provided from the CDC Websitehttps://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/flu.html. It is flu season again and everyone should be taking precautions like covering mouths when coughing, washing hands often and getting a flu shot. This is a case where "not sharing is caring."  Defense Logistics Agency Installation Operations at Richmond, Virginia’s, Fire and Emergency Services are set to offer several flu-shot clinics for active duty military members and civilian government employees with a valid Department of Defense identification card.  DLA Aviation employees will be given shots from 8 a.m. to noon Nov. 1-2 in the Frank B. Lotts Conference Center. DLA Distribution employees will be given their shots from 8 a.m. to noon Nov.14 in Building 66, D Bay.  An information sheet must be filled out and brought to get the shot. Download it here, complete it and bring it along with your Common Access Card when you come to the clinic.  Remember to wear clothing that can expose the upper arm without exposing anything else. Shots are administered in the upper arm.  According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza or flu is a contagious disease that spreads around the country every year, usually between October and May. The flu is caused by influenza viruses and is spread mainly by coughing, sneezing and close contact.  Anyone can get the flu. Flu strikes suddenly and can last several days.  Symptoms vary by age, but can include:  • Fever/chills • Sore throat • Muscle aches • Fatigue • Cough • Headache • Runny or stuffy nose  The flu vaccine can keep you from getting the flu, make the flu less severe if you do get it, and keep you from spreading the flu to your family and other people.  DLA Aviation uses the inactivated and recombinant flu vaccines.  A dose of flu vaccine is recommended every flu season. We will have high-risk doses available specifically for personnel who are aged 65 and older. This higher dose provides additional resistance to this population. It takes about two weeks for protection to develop after vaccination and protection lasts through the flu season.  There are certain people who should not get a flu shot. DLA Fire and EMS personnel along with Occupational Health Clinic staff will be on scene to conduct a health screening for your safety by asking some questions.  Please tell the person who is interviewing you or giving you the vaccine:  • If you have any severe, life-threatening allergies. • If you ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction after a dose of flu vaccine, or have a severe allergy to any part of this vaccine, you may be advised not to get vaccinated. Most, but not all, types of flu vaccine contain a small amount of egg protein. • If you ever had Guillain-Barré Syndrome (also called GBS).  Some people with a history of GBS should not get this vaccine. This should be discussed with your doctor. • If you are not feeling well.  It is usually okay to get flu vaccine when you have a mild illness, but you might be asked to come back when you feel better.  For more information or questions, contact: Capt. Rick Ferrell,rickferrell@dla.mil, 804-279-3630 or Fire Chief Robert Cross,robert.cross@dla.mil, 804-279-1401.  Information in this article is provided from the CDC Websitehttps://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/flu.html.