Laboratory flu clinic begins today

Again this year, staff from HSR-2 will go to various technical areas around the Laboratory to make it easier for workers to receive a flu shot, said Buffy Bergquist of HSR-2, explaining that the idea behind the immunizations is to decrease the likelihood of a flu outbreak at the Lab.

Flu shots will be administered by registered nurses from HSR-2.

University of California Laboratory employees, Department of Energy Office of Los Alamos Site Operations employees and subcontract personnel from Johnson Controls Northern New Mexico, KSL Services and Protection Technology Los Alamos as well as Los Alamos County Fire Department personnel can receive a free flu shot, said Bergquist.

Personnel from other subcontract companies also can receive a free flu shot with the approval of their employer, she said.

All workers will be required to read and sign a consent form before they can receive a flu shot. In addition, women who are pregnant will need a written note from their personal physician before receiving the vaccine. People who are allergic to chicken egg, egg protein or have a sensitivity to Thimerisol (a preservative in contact lens solution) should not receive the vaccine.

Occupational Medicine has faxed employee consent forms to subcontract companies to obtain blanket approval for their personnel to receive vaccinations.

Bergquist said the vaccine provides protection against the A/New caledonia/20/99 (H1N1), A Panama/2007/99 (H3N2), A/Moscow-like strain and B/Hong Kong/1432/2002 virus strains.

The influenza vaccinations don't protect people from common colds, and Bergquist said some people experience mild, flu-like symptoms following vaccination. Frequent hand-washing and covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing are very important to prevent the spread of all viruses.

An annual flu shot is recommended for individuals over the age of 50, with long-term health problems, those with a weakened immune system, pregnant women past the first trimester, medical personnel, foreign travelers, people who live in dormitory settings, caretakers and anyone who wants to reduce their chances of catching influenza.

The schedule for flu immunizations is as follows. (If not indicated otherwise, vaccinations are open to all eligible personnel):

The schedule for vaccinations also can be found at http://int.lanl.gov/worklife/health/FLU-FLYER%2002.pdf online. (Adobe Acrobat Reader required)

For more information, call 7-7839.

-- Steve Sandoval

Other Headlines