NHCCC Corpsmen Prepare Staff to Protect Sailors, Marines and Eligible Beneficiaries

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas (NNS) -- Hospital corpsmen strengthened the first line of defense during this year's flu season by administering the annual influenza vaccine to medical professionals and staff at Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi (NHCCC) at a SHOTEX Sept. 27.

"We had a great start and the process was well-organized and an improvement in my eyes to previous years," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class (FMF) Ryan D. Macut, a Sailor who administered vaccines during the event. "The FluMist intranasal vaccine is new to some and raises questions to why they receive one or the other, but some good patient education clears that right up."

According to the CDC the nasal-spray flu vaccine (Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine [LAIV]) FluMist® is approved for use in healthy people 2 through 49 years of age who are not pregnant. The CDC says "healthy" indicates persons who do not have an underlying medical condition that predisposes them to influenza complications.

Annual seasonal influenza vaccinations are required for all active duty military personnel, selected Reserves and healthcare workers. Navy Medicine's seasonal influenza vaccine immunization program is designed to protect Sailors and Marines, mission-essential healthcare personnel, and eligible beneficiaries.

"I think it is very important to protect ourselves from the flu as it's another key part of maintaining the medical readiness of our service members and the health of their families," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Jon K. French, another Sailor who gave vaccines.

Chief Hospital Corpsman (FMF) Scott Thomas, leading chief petty officer, NHCCC Public Health, spearheaded the SHOTEX, signaling the beginning of the flu season.

"We want our healthcare providers to be protected right up front to avoid spreading the flu to others," said Thomas. "We're planning a second SHOTEX for all active duty personnel, including first responders, at Naval Air Station Corpus Christi. We will conduct that one in our Crew's Lounge Oct. 3-5 from 1230 to 1530."

Thomas and his staff are also gearing up to vaccinate eligible beneficiaries and retirees by the second week of October, and the schedule will be publicized next week.

In the meantime, hand-washing with soap and warm water, and the use of alcohol-base hand sanitizers is very effective for guarding against infection.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that influenza is thought to spread mainly from people touching something with influenza viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. One of the challenging aspects of flu is that someone who becomes infected can infect others one day before they have symptoms and up to five days after becoming sick.

For general information about seasonal influenza, visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.

For more news from Naval Health Clinic Corpus Christi, visit www.navy.mil/local/nhcc/.