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Protect Yourself: Get the Flu Shot

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jenny Voss and Maj. Stephanie Davis
  • 92nd Medical Group
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  The best way to prevent seasonal flu is by getting a seasonal flu vaccination each year. Take everyday actions to stay healthy. Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or arm. Clean hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub often, especially after coughing or sneezing. Seasonal flu vaccination should begin in September, or as soon as the seasonal flu vaccine is available, and continue throughout the flu season into spring. While seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, most of the time seasonal flu activity peaks in January or later. 

This flu season, scientists believe that a new and very different flu virus (called novel 2009 H1N1) may cause a lot more people to get sick than during a regular flu season. It also may cause more hospital stays and deaths than regular seasonal flu. A special vaccine available later this season, is designed to cover H1N1 flu. 

Some people, such as older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), are at increased risk for serious complications from seasonal flu illness. 

Symptoms of seasonal flu include:
· fever (often high)
· headache
· extreme tiredness
· dry cough
· sore throat
· runny or stuffy nose
· muscle aches
· Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults. Some people who have been infected with the new H1N1 flu virus have reported diarrhea and vomiting. 

TRICARE will cover the cost of vaccinations recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The seasonal flu vaccine is a TRICARE-covered benefit and has up to a 90 percent success rate in a healthy population, according to the CDC. Nationwide, flu vaccine is available as a shot or nasal spray (age limits apply). Patients should benefit most by getting vaccinated in October or November. However, getting it as late as December can still help bolster the immune system.

To get either the seasonal flu shot or H1N1 vaccine, patients enrolled at a military installation clinic should call the facility to find out when the vaccines are available. As long as TRICARE Prime patients receive the seasonal flu shot from a TRICARE network provider, the vaccine is free. The shot is also free for those enrolled in TRICARE Standard, Extra, or TRICARE Prime Remote, as long as they use any TRICARE-authorized provider.

We currently have seasonal flu vaccine shots available for infants and adults over age 50 years. Any person with a chronic medical condition who requires an annual flu vaccine, must have a written prescription from their healthcare provider in order to receive the vaccine. For more information about the seasonal flu vaccination, beneficiaries can call 92 MDG Immunizations Clinic at (509) 247- 5284 or the flu hotline 24 hours a day (509) 247-3100.
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