KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- You actually may not have received this vaccine.
The Air Force mandates that its members comply with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's recommendation that all adults will receive a Tdap booster prior to Jan. 1, 2013.
The 8th Medical Group won't get a full list of due and overdue names until Sept. 1.
Go to
https://imr.afms.mil/imr/MyIMR.aspx (CAC enabled). You'll see a list showing the vaccines that you have received and need. You'll know if you need the Tdap vaccine because it will say "Tdap."
Disregard the date and color, you can actually get this vaccine EARLY. If you don't see Tdap, you should see "Td," which means you have already received the Tdap booster. It will also be listed on the DD2766c, which is one of the links on the left. If you need it, come to the Immunizations clinic during normal business hours to receive the vaccine.
Are you wondering why you have to get yet another booster? It's actually really important. Tdap is designed to protect you from getting tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).
Whooping Cough is known as the "100-day cough." That's a long time dealing with a cough that can affect your fitness and ability to wear protective masks, but a healthy adult should eventually recover without problems. However, there is something much more significant about this vaccine.
Its main purpose is to protect children like Kaliah, a beautiful baby girl. She passed away Aug. 16, 2011, at 27 days old. You can read more of her story and what her family experienced here:
http://shotbyshot.org/pertussis/kaliahs-story/. Kaliah died because her mother unknowingly exposed her to whooping cough before her body had the defenses to protect her. Her mother didn't realize the minor cough that she had when Kaliah was born would end up taking her baby girl. Yes, this occurred in the United States.
Many of you are planning your midtours or starting to outprocess. You are going to be around many more families that will have infants requiring protection. This vaccine is a lifesaver.
Please contact the Immunizations Clinic at 782-5261 if you have any questions. Also, please strongly encourage your family members to get the booster at their local Immunizations clinic.