It is all about preparing the body, building a defence, and that is why vaccinations have commenced for the personnel in the Expeditionary Air Wing who, from 1 January 2011, will be on standby for possible deployment.
After a compulsory medical examination, the doctor orders vaccinations according to what is prescribed for personnel that are part of the international forces or personnel that prepare international missions.
During the first round of vaccinations, Twinrix is administered against Hepatitis A+B, TBE/FMSE against tick-borne encephalitis and a vaccine against yellow fever.
“The vaccination against yellow fever is required in order to be able to travel in some African countries and also a few in South America,” explains Nurse Eva Johansson at the Occupational Health Centre at F 17.
“We use a living vaccine against yellow fever. About one in ten can experience flu-like symptoms and a touch of fever, but this disappears in a few days,” she says.
Soldiers Anna Christensson and Pierre Raneryd at the Expeditionary Air Wing have been summoned for their first vaccination jabs. In order to receive adequate protection, a certain amount of time must pass between each vaccination jab and date.
Ladies first and Anna Christensson hops up onto the bed. The nurse explains how the vaccination will be administered and prepares the ampoules and needles. Three injections and it is all over.
“I can feel it a bit, my arm's a little tense,” she says afterwards.
Standing by the door is Anna’s colleague, Pierre Raneryd, awaiting his turn. The nurse first checks the health declaration that has been filled in and then she goes to the doctor who prescribes the vaccine before she can administer it.
“What are the bubbles?” asks Pierre Raneryd when the nurse injects the yellow fever vaccine into his arm.
“That’s just a little air that’s still in the ampoule,” assures Nurse Eva Johansson.
The first round of vaccinations for the soldiers is complete. It will be time for the next dose in about one month.