Flu vaccines available now at 66 MDG clinic

  • Published
  • By Kathryne Friess
  • 66th Medical Group
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. --  According to the Centers for Disease Control, while flu activity caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses may rise and fall, it is expected to continue for several more months.

Each week, the CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators. Although the visits to doctors, overall hospitalizations and proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza continue to decrease, there have still been deaths attributed to the H1N1 virus. During the week of January 3 to 9, there were seven flu-related pediatrics deaths in the United States. Six of these deaths were associated with laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1 virus.

The CDC, Defense Department and 66th Medical Group continue to stress the need for H1N1 influenza vaccinations as the primary means to prevent infection and its complications. The 66 MDG currently has a sufficient supply of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health H1N1 vaccine to dispense to all Tricare-eligible DoD beneficiaries, ages 6 months and older. This includes those who do not have a provider at the Hanscom 66 MDG clinic. Tricare-eligible DoD beneficiaries with civilian providers are eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccine at the Hanscom clinic.

The CDC recommends a second vaccination dose be given to children ages 6 months to 9 years old. It is given four or more weeks after the first vaccination dose. The 66 MDG now has enough supplies to offer this second vaccination dose to Tricare-eligible DoD beneficiary children.

The DoD H1N1 supply is targeted for all active-duty, Reserve and National Guard personnel and is a mandatory vaccination.

All Tricare-eligible DoD beneficiaries can receive the seasonal flu vaccine.

Immunization clinic hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.

For more information call the Flu hot line at 781-377-5065.