Flu vaccine now available at the 377th Medical Group
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- The flu vaccine is now available, in shot or mist form, at the 377th Medical Group for active duty and TRICARE eligible beneficiaries.
Receiving a flu shot (or mist) is the best way to protect yourself and your family members from the influenza virus during the upcoming flu season. Influenza is responsible for approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and an average of 36,000 deaths annually. For more information on the flu or the vaccine, go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu.
Flu vaccination is mandatory for all active duty members and must be completed by Dec. 15. Vaccination against the flu is recommended for any patient with chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease), any patient who is less than 5 or over 65 years of age, and women who are pregnant.
The flu vaccine is also highly encouraged for everyone older than 6 months of age. For children ages 6 months through 8 years there has been a change in vaccine dose requirements. Children in the following categories require only one dose of flu vaccine this season if: the child received at least one dose of 2013-14 seasonal influenza vaccine OR the child has received at least two doses of seasonal influenza vaccine since July 1, 2010.
Active duty members must obtain their flu vaccine from the 377th Medical Group, while family members and retirees have the option of using the 377th MDG or a network pharmacy. If one uses a network pharmacy, there is not a charge for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries. Please use the following website for a listing of participating network pharmacies:
http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy or call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303.
The 377th MDG is only able to offer the flu vaccine to civilians that are TRICARE eligible. Civilians not covered by TRICARE are highly encouraged to receive the vaccination and to check with their health insurance plan for coverage. For information on local shot clinics, visit the New Mexico Department of Health Immunization Program website at http://www.immunizenm.org/flu.shtml.
Get your flu vaccine at the 377th Medical Group's Immunization Clinic:
Monday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
Tuesday 7 a.m. to noon
Wednesday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
Thursday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
Friday 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed from noon to 1 p.m.)
For more information, contact the Immunization Clinic at 846-3101. You may also request the medical group provide the flu vaccine at your location, at a date and time convenient for your unit, if there are at least 50 members requiring the vaccination.