Flu Season Around the corner, First Vaccine on Priority Basis

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Tiffany Williams
  • 6th Medical Group
MacDIll Air Force Base, Fla. --  Influenza season is quickly approaching and the vaccine will soon be available at the 6th Medical Group clinic. Because the full supply of the flu vaccine is not provided all at once, the initial disbursement will be prioritized as follows: medical personnel, deployers and identified high-risk patients (people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or heart conditions).

Once the full supply arrives (expected mid-November), individuals eligible for care at the 6th Medical Group who are 6 months of age and older will be able to receive the flu vaccine. Administration will continue until the end of June 2011. Seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines are combined into a single vaccine this year. Flu vaccines can be provided by any TRICARE-authorized provider or at one of the network pharmacies that participates in the vaccination program at no cost. Active Duty members MUST receive their flu vaccines from the 6 MDG. Call 1-877-363-1303 to find a participating pharmacy near you or look online at www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE.

Patients cannot get the flu mist or vaccine if they have an allergy to eggs.

Flu mist is a live virus, so it is given to our patients so they can have immediate immunity to the flu.

The flu mist age group is 2 to 49. The clinic staff will adminster the flu mist over the flu shot because of the immediate immunity, and it is less invasive. The individuals who are not eligible for the mist are patients who are pregnant, have asthma, respiratory disease, COPD, or immunodeficiency disorders (compromised immune systems).

Anyone who has severe nasal congestion cannot receive the flu mist.

The Shingles vaccine is also generally available at the 6th Medical Group Clinic. Unfortunately at this time the vaccine is currently unavailable due to a manufacturer's delay. The Shingles vaccine will not be available until December or January. Once vaccine supplies arrive, it will be available to individuals 60 years and older and must be accompanied with a prescription from their primary care provider. Clinic walk-in hours are 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and Thursdays until 4:30 p.m. Every third Wednesday, the clinic hours are 7 to 11 a.m. Contact the Immunizations Clinic at 827-9375 for further information.