Tyndall AFB’s H1N1 Vaccine Status

  • Published
  • By Lt Col. Erik Koda
  • 325th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The H1N1 flu vaccine, which is not the same as seasonal flu vaccine, has become available at Tyndall Air Force Base.

There will be a mass immunization for active duty members who fall into the following high-risk categories: dorm residents, pregnant members, asthmatics and diabetics, from noon to 2 p.m. Dec. 11 in Hangar 3.

The H1N1 flu virus appeared this year and has quickly spread through the entire world. It appears to be no more dangerous than the seasonal flu, but since this strain of flu has not been around for decades less people have immunity built-up against it and more people are likely to get sick from the flu than in years past. The vast majority of people will fully recover within a week, but more than usual will develop complications simply due to the larger numbers affected.

The flu vaccine is produced annually based on the best guess as to which strains of flu will affect people in the next season. It takes many months to produce the vaccine in large enough supplies for the whole country. Had H1N1 appeared just a few months earlier, it would have been a part of the regular flu vaccine, but because of the timing it had to be put into a separate vaccine from the seasonal flu.

The H1N1 vaccine is made in the same way and with the same components as the season flu vaccine and therefore has the same side effects. Vaccine companies are producing and delivering the vaccine as quickly as possible, but it is being sent out in waves throughout the Department of Defense. Immunizations has been receiving a hundred doses here and there and has been notifying priority groups to be vaccinated. So far these priority groups have included fire and medical workers and those at higher risk of medical complications.

Larger batches may start coming in soon for active duty military and DOD civilians and ultimately, this vaccine will be mandatory for all active duty members.

For dependants and other beneficiaries, the supply comes in similar small batches from Bay County. Tyndall Elementary school students, child development center children and workers and pregnant women have been vaccinated. The vaccine will be administered to medically higher risk beneficiaries before opening the vaccine to all beneficiaries.

Overall, with more than 30 million doses of H1N1 vaccine distributed in the U.S. this year, side effects have been the same as the seasonal flu vaccine. If you have other questions about the vaccine or specific cases please contact your primary care manager or call Public Health at 283-7138.