DoD to Launch Anti-flu Health Campaign
By Jim Garamone
American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Oct. 22, 2004 – The Defense Department is launching a vigorous
public health campaign aimed at preventing the flu in those who won't qualify
to get their shot this season.
"To borrow a phrase from Franklin Roosevelt from many years ago, and I think it
applies: The greatest thing we have to fear 'is fear itself,'" said Dr. William
Winkenwerder, the assistant secretary of defense for health affairs said in an
interview Oct. 21. "This is a very manageable problem, a very manageable
situation. Speaking for the military, I think we'll be able to manage this
situation without any difficulty."
In fact, Winkenwerder said, "there's some chance we could have a low influenza
season" with all the effort to target the vaccine for higher-risk individuals
"and being very … forward leaning, and pushing out our messages for all others
on how to prevent the spread of infection."
Winkenwerder said the messages are very simple but important. He mentioned the
oft-repeated preventive practices of washing your hands and covering your mouth
when you cough or sneeze. If you get sick, he noted, "then stay away from other
people. In fact, if you really feel bad, don't come into work. Don't spread an
illness."
Winkenwerder said the Tricare Web site will have these tips and more. DoD will
also get the message out via posters, newspapers, radio and television.
With the shortage of flu vaccine, the Department of Health and Human Services
and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are asking many healthy
Americans to forgo getting a flu shot this year. In DoD this means
servicemembers who are not deploying and healthy family members not in the
high-risk groups will not get the shot.
CDC officials said there are no current outbreaks of the flu, "but we really
haven't gotten into the season yet." Officials also believe this will be a
fairly typical flu season. They said with the increased attention surrounding
the vaccine shortage they hope that people will pay more attention to
preventive measures.
Biography:
Dr. William Winkenwerder
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