Getting Your Flu Shot

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Raymond Owens
  • 4th Medical Operations Squadron
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Flu season is here once again, and this year patients will only require one shot; not the two separate doses needed last year to protect against seasonal influenza and H1N1.

Although the 4th Medical Group's Immunizations Clinic has not received all of its flu vaccines, they will be here soon. In anticipation for the vaccine to arrive, there have been some changes made to this year's vaccination program.

This year, the state of North Carolina will not supply any of the military bases with the flu vaccine as they have in previous years. In the past, the base received flu vaccines free-of-charge based on the state-funded Vaccines for Children program. This year, the state placed restrictions on the program, which limits it to cover only children with limited or no insurance. Unfortunately, TRICARE beneficiaries do not fall into that category. Consequently, the 4th Medical Group has fewer doses of the vaccine to distribute than prior years. Thus, to ensure the Seymour Johnson community has access to the vaccine, the immunizations staff recommends their patients use the following channels to receive their vaccination:

1. Active-duty members: based on guidance from the Air Force Surgeon General, active- duty members must receive their flu vaccines on base. A message will come out soon notifying service members when and where vaccinations will be administered. The schedule will accommodate shift workers.

2. Retirees and dependents older than 18: Walgreens and Target are providing flu shots free-of-charge to TRICARE beneficiaries older than 18; all that is required is a valid military ID card.

3. Children younger than 18: Children enrolled in Goldsboro Pediatrics should be vaccinated as soon as possible. Parents and guardians should make arrangements through Goldsboro Pediatrics to get their immunization shot. Children enrolled under the 4th MDG will be given the shot at the clinic when the supply has been received.

4. High risk: High risk individuals, such as those with asthma, heart disease, diabetes and other chronic conditions, will receive their immunization at the 4th MDG. All high-risk patients will be mailed a notification to receive their flu shot ASAP.

Patients should note the flu vaccines from Walgreens, Target and the Goldsboro Pediatrics are the same type the 4th MDG staff will be administering. Eligible individuals should take advantage of the services available to them in the local community and not wait to get immunized.

The remainder of the vaccine the 4th MDG receives will be used for children younger than 18 who are not enrolled at Goldsboro Pediatrics clinic, for beneficiaries who are in high-risk categories, and staff at the child development center, fire department and other essential employees not otherwise eligible for TRICARE.

For more information regarding the flu and/or flu vaccinations, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccinations or call Tech. Sgt. Raymond Owens, 4th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of immunizations, at 722-1547.