The Missouri National Guard has developed a prevention program to protect personnel from the H1N1 flu virus – also known as the Swine Flu. In essence, the Guard is gearing up for what might happen down the road.
“The National Guard wants to sort of nip a problem in the bud before the problem occurs,” said Missouri National Guard Public Affairs Representative Bill Phelan in an interview with the Missourinet. “The whole purpose of our H1N1 program at the Missouri National Guard is to keep all of our soldiers combat-ready. Readiness is a big thing in the National Guard, and if your soldiers are sick they are not ready to perform their duty, whatever that duty happens to be.”
The H1N1 vaccination is mandatory for military personnel to make sure these individuals stay healthy.