'Tis the season for a flu vaccination

Published Oct. 17, 2014
By 10th Medical Group
U.S. Air Force Academy 10th Medical Group

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo. -- The 10th Medical Group offers flu vaccination for those two and older on a walk-in basis in the Allergy and Immunizations lobby, starting Oct. 27.

Medical officials here recommend everyone receive a vaccination, especially senior citizens, those with chronic medical conditions and high-risk patients.

High-risk groups include children 5 and younger, pregnant women, those with lung disease, asthma, heart problems, diabetes, kidney disease, immune system suppression, blood disorders and etc.

Those living with or caring for persons with high-risk flu-related complications or who are regularly near infants should get the flu vaccine annually.

Influenza is often spread before a person feels sick and can continue to spread for three to seven days after infection starts. The vaccine does not guarantee prevention of influenza but it does decrease the risk of infection and minimize the duration of symptoms should an infection occur.

Non-active duty Tricare beneficiaries are authorized to get the vaccine off base for free at King Soopers, WalMart, Walgreens, Safeway and Albertson's.

This year's flu vaccine contains H1N1and as other common flu strains.

Call 333-5080 for more information.