H1N1 vaccine arrives at Kunsan

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Patrice Clarke
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  More than 83 percent of Wolf Pack members received the H1N1 vaccine Nov. 3 and 4 as the first waves of the vaccine arrived on the peninsula.

"We received the vaccine Tuesday morning and within five hours were able to vaccinate 740 people," said Col. Janet Deltuva, 8th Medical Group commander.

The vaccination, which is mandatory for active duty personnel, was administered in shot form at the Sonlight Inn and the base theater.

"It was an entire Med Dawg group effort to the get this administered in such a timely fashion," said Colonel Deltuva. "We had a distribution plan in place that we were able to execute immediately following the reception of the vaccine. Within one hour, the plan was set in motion with phenomenal results."

Col. Robert Givens, 8th Fighter Wing commander, also commented on the quick response from the Wolf Pack.

"I'm proud of the Wolf Pack for making it a priority to get this done," said Colonel Givens. "Our rapid immunization plan is evidence of our Medical readiness to meet any contingency. Limiting the potential spread of H1N1 through immunization and other mitigation measures benefits the Wolf Pack and our Korean neighbors."

Colonel Deltuva advises all who received the vaccine to continue practicing good hygiene.

"Wolf Pack members should continue good hand washing techniques as well as all other hygiene practices," she said. "Things like coughing and sneezing into the bend of your elbow and staying home when you feel sick can help deter this illness.

Medical personnel at Kunsan will continue to administer the vaccine until all mandatory vaccinations have been given.