George Washington Corpsmen Begin Influenza Immunization

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class William Pittman

Posted: Sept. 28, 2011

PACIFIC OCEAN  - Navy doctors and Hospital Corpsmen aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) began administering the influenza vaccine to more than 5,500 Sailors Sept. 25.
 

PACIFIC OCEAN (Sept. 26, 2011) - Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class George L. Keebler from Brighton, Mich., left, injects Seaman Recruit Randolph Alexander from Mattoon, Ill., with the influenza vaccine in the medical bay aboard the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). George Washington received a surplus of the influenza vaccine which is administered to all U.S. military personnel annually to ensure the risk of catching or spreading the flu is minimized. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sean P. La Marr) | Download

All Navy active duty Sailors are directed by NAVADMIN 207/11 to receive the influenza vaccine upon its availability, with the added caveat that 90 percent of each command is to be immunized within 72 hours of the vaccine’s arrival to the command.
 

“By directive of the Chief of Naval Operations, we are expediting the immunizations as if we were in an official influenza pandemic,” said Capt. Tim Lavan, George Washington’s senior medical officer. “The time crunch allows my corpsmen a unique training opportunity; much like conducting emergency breakaways during a replenishment-at-sea or practicing a general quarters drill, this will allow my corpsmen to practice rapid immunization if and when the situation calls for it.”
 

Upon the vaccine’s arrival to the ship, George Washington Sailors lined up by the thousands in the ship’s medical bay to receive their vaccinations.
 

“The time limit is not at all an issue,” said Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class George Keebler from Brighton, Mich., one of George Washington’s corpsmen helping immunize the crew. “Besides the fact that this is a mandate from the Navy, we are currently deployed and everybody is aboard the ship, readily available to get their shots. Where are they going to go? Everyone will find the time to come down to see us.”
 

George Washington’s corpsmen are currently working around the clock to ensure the crew is inoculated before the 72 hours expires; Sept. 28 is the last day the vaccine will be available to George Washington Sailors.
 

“Within 20 hours of the vaccine’s arrival, more than 60 percent of the ship’s crew has been inoculated,” said Lavan. “I have no doubt that we will meet our goal in the allotted time.”
Each year in the United States, there are over 25 million reported cases of the flu, resulting in 150,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths; the best way to decrease the risk of catching or spreading the flu is to take the vaccine, said Lavan.
 

“Another way to prevent getting the flu is to simply maintain good hygiene practices at work and at home,” said Lavan.
 

George Washington departed Yokosuka, Japan Sept. 19 to continue her 2011 patrol. As the Navy's only full-time forward deployed carrier, George Washington's mission is to help ensure security and stability in the Western Pacific.