LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
It's that time again. Flu season is upon us.
Most of us remember the outbreak of H1N1 in 2009. Don't say goodbye to this virus just yet, because flu season is approaching.
However, there is good news. This year's vaccines protect not only against H1N1 but also against two other influenza viruses: H3N2 virus and an Influenza B virus. An annual influenza vaccination combined with proper hand hygiene and cough etiquette will help prevent the majority of flu infections.
For the 2010-2011 flu season, the flu mist and flu shot are expected to be available from the 633d Medical Group by the end of October for all beneficiaries and will begin upon arrival of the shipments. The flu mist will be the primary vaccination method, while the shot will be administered to those 50 years of age and older and higher risk patients, such as infants older than 6 months old, adults over 65 years old and pregnant women.
Venue schedules will be announced in The Peninsula Warrior and via base-wide e-mail after arrival of vaccine shipments. Military personnel vaccinations have already started. Location venues will be announced when sufficient supplies arrive.
All non-active duty Tricare beneficiaries are authorized to obtain influenza and pneumococcal vaccines at an authorized Tricare retail network pharmacy. A listing of authorized pharmacies may be obtained at www.express-scripts.com or by calling 1-877-363-1303.
Additionally, non-active duty Tricare beneficiaries may obtain the influenza vaccination at another location and submit a claim to Tricare for reimbursement of the cost of the flu vaccine. All uniformed personnel must receive their vaccines through a military treatment facility.
For more information, contact Langley Air Force Base immunizations at 764-6985 or Public Health at 764-5252.