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It's not too late to get a flu shot

  • Published
  • By Danny Monahan
  • 377th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
KIRTLAND AFB, N.M. --  This year, the flu vaccine is available to Air Force Materiel Command's civilian workforce free of charge, in addition to active-duty Airmen and their family members. Although the mass immunization lines have already been conducted at most AFMC bases, civilians can still take advantage of the benefit.

Given the negative impact of the flu on workforce health and workplace productivity, AFMC commander Gen. Donald Hoffman approved the purchase of vaccine for use in immunizing the command's civilian workforce during the 2011-2012 influenza season.
"Immunization is the key to seasonal influenza preparation and prevention," said Lt. Col. Christopher Hudson, 377th Medical Group. "The Advisory Committee on Immunizations Practices has issued a universal recommendation for influenza vaccination for individuals age 6 months and older. Estimates of influenza-related events include 95 million infections, 25 million physician visits, 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually in the U.S."

AFMC offers the vaccine to civilian workers on a first-come, first served-basis. Eligible employees may obtain either the flu shot or nasal spray at the 377 MDG.

"The injectable version of the influenza vaccine is suitable for people age 6 months and older," said Hudson. "The FluMist nasal spray is for individuals age 2 to 49 without any chronic health conditions. The immunizations clinic will determine which vaccine is right for you."

As always, vaccination for active-duty Airmen is mandatory and they must obtain their influenza vaccine from the 377 MDG by Dec. 31.

Hours of operation for the 377 MDG immunization clinic are as follows:
Monday: 7 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:15 a.m. to noon
Wednesday: 7 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:15 p.m.
Thursday: 7 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.
Friday: 7 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.

The 377 MDG is closed the last Wednesday of each month.

For more information, call 846-3101.