Flu shot is essential preventive step to avoid illness

  • Published
  • By Sue Campbell
  • 59th Medical Wing Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) --  In many places, flu season is already underway.

And while the flu typically won't hit some regions for another few months, research shows it's better to get vaccinated early.

"We want you to get the shot, which is an essential preventive service," said Lt. Col. (Dr.) Kimberly Johnson, officer-in-charge of Wilford Hall Medical Center Immunization Services at Lackland Air Force Base. "Nine out of ten healthy people who get the shot won't get the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

"As active duty members know, this is a mandatory vaccine which should be accomplished prior to Dec. 1, 2010," she said. "But what many people do not realize is that influenza kills."

There are approximately 25 to 50 million cases of the flu reported each year in the U.S., officials said. These flu cases are responsible for upwards of 150,000 hospitalizations and 30,000 to 40,000 deaths yearly.

Unlike last year, when people needed two vaccines -- a conventional flu shot and another developed specifically for the H1N1 virus -- one shot will suffice this year, officials said. Its formulation covers two of the most common seasonal influenza strains, A H3N2 and B virus, as well as H1N1.

To make the process as convenient as possible, TRICARE has entered into agreements with about 50,000 retail pharmacies nationwide. Like military hospitals and clinics and TRICARE network providers, they will administer the flu shot at no cost to TRICARE beneficiaries.

Many retail pharmacies offer flu shots at night and on weekends, and most don't require appointments.

The TRICARE website lists participating pharmacies, with a locator button identifying the closest one, based on the beneficiary's ZIP code.

"People really value convenience in their health care," Dr. Johnson said.

While encouraging people to get their flu shot wherever it's most convenient, Dr. Johnson emphasized that some TRICARE beneficiaries should consult their medical provider first. These include people with a serious chronic illness, young children who have never had a flu shot and other at-risk groups.

Retail pharmacies will administer flu shots to active duty military members and can provide documentation for their official shot records.

However, Dr. Johnson said some service members may be required to get shots along with the rest of the members of their units.

That way, she explained, the information is recorded immediately in unit shot records, with no delay.

In addition to getting a flu shot, CDC officials offer additional tips for avoiding the flu and its spread:

-- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
-- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. You also can use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
-- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
-- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
-- Stay home if you are sick until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius, or signs of a fever without the use of a fever-reducing medicine such as acetaminophen.
-- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.