ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
Flu season is here, and one of the best ways to protect against the flu is by receiving an annual flu vaccine.
Flu season typically peaks in February and runs through April or May.
If you haven't received one yet, it's not too late.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes Influenza as a highly contagious disease that affects 5-20 percent of the U.S. population each year with the rates of infection being highest among children. Although most people will recover from the flu in three days to two weeks, the flu can lead to pneumonia and can be very dangerous for people with heart or breathing conditions. It can cause high fever and seizures in children. According to the CDC, averages of more than 200,000 people are hospitalized, every year, because of flu, and 36,000 die - mostly the elderly.
There are two types of flu vaccines: the live, nasal spray, and the inactivated, flu shot or vaccination. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as of Sept. 19, approved use of the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children age 2-4 years old. FluMist is also approved for healthy persons age 5 - 49 years (those who are not pregnant or do not have underlying medical conditions that predisposes them to flu complication). The inactivated vaccine is approved for those who are 6 months and older, including those with high-risk conditions. Consult with your immunization provider or health team member if you have specific questions or concerns about the flu vaccine.
It is estimated that the flu vaccine prevents influenza in 70-90% of adults under 65 years of age, with rates slightly higher in children and somewhat lower in older adults, especially those who reside in nursing homes. However, the vaccine can be 50%-60% effective in preventing influenza-related hospitalization or pneumonia and 80% effective in preventing influenza-related death in older adults.
Individuals desiring the vaccine should go directly to their primary care clinic (Gold Team, Family Practice, Silver Team, Pediatrics, Flight Medicine) first-no appointment needed. If you do not have a primary care physician on Andrews AFB, the Immunizations Clinic, on the first floor of the 79th MDG, Bldg 1058, will provide the vaccine to anyone who is eligible for care at the Military Treatment Facility and to all DOD employees (civilians and contractors) on Andrews AFB. Walk-in immunization hours are Monday - Friday, 8 to 11 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. No appointment is needed. For further information, call the Immunizations Hotline anytime at (240) 857-7426, option #2.
The annual Active Duty Flu Drive will be occurring Tuesday through Thursday at the Reel Time Theater, Bldg 1074. Hours will be 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Flu vaccinations are mandatory for all Active Duty. Active Duty members should bring their ID card.