Influenza vaccinations available at Immunization Clinic

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Amanda Schaupp
  • 377th Medical Group
KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  Flu activity is increasing nationwide, with nearly half of the country reporting widespread influenza activity. This year's flu season has had a slow start in New Mexico, but that is changing.

To help avoid the illness, vaccinations are available at the 377th Medical Group's Immunization Clinic. Injectable vaccines are available for children under 3 years old and FluMist for patients 2 to 49 years. Walk-in service at the clinic is available Monday through Friday. All other patients may use the TRICARE network pharmacies to obtain the vaccine. Patients should call network pharmacies to check on availability.

The main strain of flu has been H1N1 "swine" flu, which caused the pandemic flu in 2009. Usually, the flu is a bigger concern for very young children and people 65 years and older. However, H1N1 tends to attack younger adults more than older ones. Though H1N1 affects mainly younger adults, health officials still encourage young children and older adults to receive the flu vaccine because they are at greater risk for more severe complications from the flu, primarily those with chronic health conditions. 

This year's flu vaccine protects against the H1N1 virus, and there is still time to get the vaccine. The volume of flu cases may not peak until February or March, and it is not uncommon to see flu cases as late as May. It takes about two weeks to receive the full protection benefits from the vaccine.

Health officials recommend frequent hand washing and covering your mouth when you cough as ways to help prevent getting or spreading the flu. Also, if you're sick stay at home and keep children with the flu out of school so not to spread the infection.