Vaccinations protect Airmen, families from disease

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Benjamin Raughton
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  The new school year is here and since August is national immunization month, the 2nd Medical Group immunizations clinic is busier than ever.

The clinic staff of 10 trained professionals administers nearly 30,000 immunizations a year to Airmen and their families.

"We help vaccinate and maintain 100 percent medical readiness for active duty, guard, reserve, dependents and retirees," said Staff Sgt. Cecily Yandell, 2nd MDG immunizations backup technician.

With many children beginning a new school year this month, parents are encouraged to make sure their children are properly vaccinated.

"Children are required to have immunizations against tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella and varicella, which is chicken pox," said Tech. Sgt. Claudette Wilbert, 2nd MDG immunizations clinic NCO in-charge.

Louisiana has its own method of tracking student's immunization records, but with many Barksdale children originally from other states, the immunization clinic can transfer records from other states to Louisiana's system.

Just as children are vaccinated for the new school year, Airmen are also required certain vaccines annually, and for upcoming deployments.

For example, getting a flu-shot annually is mandatory for Airmen, but when Airmen receive orders to deploy, they will likely be required additional vaccinations.

Airmen who are deploying need extra vaccinations because some diseases are more prevalent in developing countries, said Yandell.

"It could be a vaccination for anything from anthrax to yellow fever," Wilbert said. "The vaccinations you get depend on the country or region you're going to."

Not only do the vaccinations keep Airmen from catching certain diseases, but they also play a role in maintaining the Air Force global mission.

"Without immunizations, our mission could come to a halt," said Wilbert. "First, other countries would not want to host a foreign military bringing in diseases. Second, vaccinations are preventive maintenance and healthcare could be much more expensive without them."

By receiving immunizations, Airmen can do their jobs without worrying about contracting disease.

For more information, visit http://www.vaccines.mil/imm_tracking or contact the immunizations clinic at 456-6740.

Immunizations clinic hours on Monday, Wednesday and Friday are 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and from noon to 3 p.m.