HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- 66th Medical Squadron officials have begun administering flu vaccines on a walk-in basis to active duty members, first responders here, as well as high-risk TRICARE beneficiaries.
The high-risk population includes those with asthma or other health conditions. Beneficiaries must be between the ages of 6 months and 64 years to receive the flu shot. At this time, the clinic does not have the vaccine for those 65 years and older.
According to MDS officials, flu vaccines are also available at local network pharmacies in Bedford and Lexington.
For information about receiving the vaccine off base, or to access a list of additional network pharmacies, visit the covered services page on the TRICARE.mil website.
“After receiving the flu shot off base, service members must provide proof of vaccination to the Immunizations Clinic at the 66 MDS clinic,” said Mark Jenner, 66 MDS group practice manager. “It must include the date the vaccine was given, the vaccine name or code, manufacturer, and lot number.”
MDS officials expect to offer the flu vaccine to others in the coming weeks.
To learn more about the flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html.
The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine as the first and best way to protect against influenza.