Medical Squadron preps for influenza fight Published Nov. 2, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Rachel Kocin 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The 910th Medical Squadron (MDS) is administering flu shots ahead of the upcoming cold weather months. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, the seasonal flu vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Traditional flu vaccines (called “trivalent” vaccines) are made to protect against three flu viruses; an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus and an influenza B virus. There are also flu vaccines made to protect against four flu viruses (called “quadrivalent” vaccines). These vaccines protect against the same viruses as the trivalent vaccine and an additional B virus. “Strain A primarily affects humans and animals and has severe symptoms, while strain B affects adults but primarily children,” said Tech. Sgt. Marie Spencer, assigned to the 910th Medical Squadron. Spencer also said the flu shot is for the A and B strains of influenza. After your body receives the vaccination, it goes through a process where it builds antibodies for immunity to the influenza strain. “It is a myth that you get the flu after being vaccinated. Since your body is building antibodies, you may have mild symptoms such as tiredness and feel a bit under the weather,” said Spencer. During the next couple of Unit Training Assemblies, 910th MDS will be administering the flus shots to 910th Citizen Airmen. Service members should check with their units or the medical squadron to find out more about this required readiness immunization.