HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – 66th Medical Squadron officials are now offering influenza vaccines to active duty military personnel, Department of Defense civilian employees, contractors, Guard and Reserve members, and their dependents, with appointments now available.
All active duty personnel are required to receive the annual flu vaccine by Dec. 15 as part of their individual medical readiness requirements.
“Members should receive their flu vaccines as soon as possible to ensure their readiness and health,” said Lt. Col. Ryan Gough, 66 MDS chief of Aerospace Medicine. “This vaccine is essential not only for personal protection but also for maintaining green IMR status, which is mandatory for those planning overseas travel, whether for leave or a permanent change of station.”
The clinic will host a walk-in flu point of dispensing, or POD, for active duty personnel on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3:30 p.m. This clinic is for those who have not yet received a flu shot.
Active duty members may also make an appointment for a flu shot on other weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon or receive their shot off base.
The influenza virus is most active from October through March, making early vaccination critical for optimal protection, according to MDS officials.
The clinic offers vaccine appointments for dependents, civilian employees, contractors, and Guard and Reserve members.
Appointments are available every 10 minutes, Monday through Friday, specifically for flu shots. To schedule, individuals can contact the 66 MDS clinic at 781-225-6789 or visit the front desk.
For those opting to receive the flu vaccine off base at a pharmacy or other immunization clinic, active duty personnel must submit a copy of their vaccination record to the 66 MDS immunizations clinic, either in person or via email at usaf.hanscom.66-abg.list.immunizations@health.mil.
Exemptions from the flu vaccine are available for those with medical or religious reasons.
For additional information about influenza, visit the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/index.html.