HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – The 66th Medical Squadron Immunization Clinic has received 100 doses of the influenza vaccine for individuals aged 65 and older.
Retirees, dependents, Department of the Air Force employees, and contractors with base access, are eligible to receive the vaccine.
“We’re encouraging those in the over-65 demographic to receive the vaccine before flu season ramps up this fall,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Gough, 66 MDS public health emergency officer.
According to officials, the Immunization Clinic is not currently accepting walk-ins.
Persons wanting the flu vaccine should call the appointment line at 781-225-6789 to schedule an immunization appointment. Appointments are available every day of the work week.
Currently, COVID-19 boosters are not available.
Gough explained that in recent years, some individuals have been hesitant to receive the flu vaccine under the false pretense that it causes the recipient to develop the flu, a fact he said is not true.
“The flu vaccine we have does not contain live virus particles of influenza,” said Gough. “The vaccine induces an immune response, but there is no possibility of this vaccine actually giving someone the flu.”
Clinic officials anticipate opening additional flu vaccine appointments up to other age groups in the coming months, with a flu vaccination point of distribution tentatively slated for Nov. 9 at the Youth Center here, said Gough.
For those who are not yet eligible to receive the flu vaccine at the clinic, Gough recommends they speak with their primary care physicians to find alternate vaccination locations.
Additional information about the POD and appointment scheduling tools will be published when available.
For information or questions about the flu vaccine, individuals can email Hanscom Public Health at usaf.hanscom.66-abg.list.publichealth@mail.mil.