Flu shots available for Eglin beneficiaries

  • Published
  • By Maj. David Rose
  • 96th Medical Group
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The Influenza vaccine is available at the Eglin Immunization Clinic and Eglin primary care clinics during regular operating hours. Since influenza outbreaks can happen as early as October, everyone is encouraged to get immunized early as flu activity typically peaks starting in January.

The influenza vaccine is mandatory for active duty and reserve military members and they should receive the immunization through a military treatment facility.

This year, the influenza vaccine will not be provided to the civilian workforce except for health care personnel covered by previous agreement. Civilian employees can receive the influenza vaccine at their physician's office or local participating pharmacies.

A mass influenza vaccination line for military members only is scheduled for Oct. 15 - 18 at the 413th Flight Test Squadron auditorium, building 439 (formerly the 9th SOS Auditorium) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The auditorium is located on West F Avenue, across from the library on the East side of the base.

Other Tricare beneficiaries such as dependents and retirees can receive the seasonal flu vaccine at the Eglin Immunization Clinic, primary care clinics or at Tricare retail network pharmacies. Coverage for the vaccine is available to all Tricare beneficiaries eligible to use the Tricare retail pharmacy benefit. Beneficiaries do not need a prescription and there is no out-of-pocket expense.

Influenza, commonly referred to as "the flu," is a highly contagious viral infection of the nose, throat and lungs. Influenza occurs most often in the late fall, winter and early spring, so peak occurrences are just around the corner.

Seasonal influenza epidemics occur annually in the United States. Estimates of influenza-related events include 95 million infections, 25 million physician visits, 200,000 hospitalizations and on average, 36,000 deaths annually.

Immunization is the key to influenza prevention and is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. There are two ways to receive the influenza vaccine: the "flu shot" and the nasal-spray flu vaccine or FluMist. The two vaccines do not differ significantly in their effectiveness; however FluMist covers four strains of flu, while the flu shot covers only three.

The influenza vaccine protects against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the upcoming season. Viruses in the vaccine change each year based on international surveillance and scientists' estimations about which types and strains of viruses will circulate in a given year.

For people who have a severe egg allergy, have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination and people who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine should not receive a flu vaccine without first consulting a physician.

For those interested in learning more about the vaccine as well as vaccine availability and office hours, call the Eglin immunization information line at 883-8226.
People interested in getting the vaccine are encouraged to call their local Tricare retail network pharmacy to ensure availability and participation in the vaccine program and that the pharmacy will administer vaccine to children, if needed. For additional information on this Tricare benefit, click here.