Flu vaccine on the way
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE - The 319th Medical Group is expecting to receive this year's influenza vaccine by the end of November. Vaccine arrival will be announced on the 319 MDG phone system at 747-5601, the Leader Online, Northern Sentinel, commander's channel 3 and the marquee. The people who may have severe complications with influenza have already been identified by the immunizations clinic. They will be notified by letter when their vaccine preparation arrives.
If you fall into the high-risk criteria, you should contact the immunizations clinic. High-risk criteria are defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( www.cdc.gov ) and include:
-- All children six months to four years (two vaccines the first time ever receiving this vaccine).
-- All persons more than 50 years old.
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-- Children six months to 18 years receiving long-term aspirin therapy.
-- Women who will be pregnant during influenza season (roughly October to March).
-- Adults and children who have chronic lung (including asthma), cardiovascular (except high blood pressure), kidney, liver, blood or metabolic disorders (including diabetes).
-- Adults and children who have immunosuppression (by medications or disease).
-- Residents of nursing homes and chronic care facilities.
For more information, call the immunizations clinic at 747-5451.
