Fight the flu: keep vaccines current Published Aug. 23, 2012 By Senior Airman Jarvie Z. Wallace 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey -- Incirlik's allergy and immunization clinic is encouraging Airmen, their families and all Department of Defense employees to raise their personal awareness during National Immunization Awareness Month in August. Vaccines protect people from dangerous diseases and play a key role in maintaining unit readiness by keeping service members healthy. In addition, not keeping up-to-date on vaccinations puts others at risk for preventable diseases. "Vaccines have virtually eliminated or reduced certain viruses or diseases," said Tech. Sgt. Kammy Fitzgerald, 39th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of the allergy and immunizations clinic. With the start of a new school year approaching parents must ensure school-age children receive certain vaccinations required to enroll in school. The following are the required vaccinations for children and adolescents according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 7-10 years HPV (minimum age 9) Influenza 11- 12 years Tdap Menactra (initial dose) Influenza HPV (if needed) 13-18years Menactra (booster) Influenza HPV (if needed) According to the CDC, childhood vaccines also prevent diphtheria; hepatitis A and B; mumps; pertussis, or whooping cough; rubella, or German measles; tetanus; and varicella, or chickenpox. Medical technicians encourage parents to take an active role in their child's health care by asking questions and keeping updated records. "Educating parents on immunizations is important," said Fitzgerald. "Parents are advocates for their children, unless they bring them in, these kids will go unprotected." Parents should also ensure they are vaccinated against common viruses. Flu vaccinations are required for all Airmen and will be administered to active duty members beginning in September. Click here for full listing of the immunization requirements for Department of Defense Education Activity students.