Flu vaccine

Senior Master Sgt. John Facemire, 377th Security Forces Squadron operations superintendent , receives the flu shot from Senior Airman Heather Boiles, 377th Medical Operations Squadron. The flu vaccination, both in shot and mist form, is available at the 377th Medical Group's Immunization Clinic. (Photo by Ken Moore)

Flu vaccine now available at Kirtland's Immunization Clinic

Published Sept. 18, 2013
By 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's Immunization Clinic for active duty, family members and all TRICARE eligible beneficiaries.

"Influenza is responsible for approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and an average of 36,000 deaths annually," said Capt. Erin Archer, Force Health Management Element chief. "Receiving a flu shot or mist is the best way to protect yourself and your family members from the upcoming flu season."

Flu vaccination is mandatory for all active duty and is highly encouraged for everyone older than six months of age. Active-duty members must obtain their flu vaccine from the 377th MDG, 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 no charge for TRICARE Prime beneficiaries. Visit http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy/ or call Express Scripts at 877-363-1303 for a listing of participating network pharmacies.

The 377th MDG is only able to offer the flu vaccine to civilians who are TRICARE eligible. Civilians not covered by TRICARE are encouraged to still receive the vaccination, and to check with their health insurance plan for coverage.

The Veterans Administration offers the influenza vaccine from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday thru Friday for their eligible enrollees. For information on local shot clinics, visit the New Mexico Department of Health Immunization Program website at http://www.immunizenm.org/flu.shtml.

The hours to receive the flu vaccine at the 377th MDG's Immunization Clinic are:
Monday - 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
Tuesday - 7 a.m. to noon
Wednesday - 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
Thursday - 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)
Friday - 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m.)

The Medical Group is closed the last Wednesday of every month for training.

To schedule the MDG to provide the flu vaccine at your duty location, contact the Immunization Clinic directly at 846-3101. A minimum of 50 members must be receiving the vaccination.

For more information on the flu or the vaccine, go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu.