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Now is the time to check immunizations

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  • 72nd Medical Group
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  With children back in school, now is the perfect time of year to check immunization records to see if you and your family are current on your vaccinations.

Being up-to-date on vaccinations is the most proven way to prevent you and your family from contracting disease or life-threatening infections.

The Center for Disease Control states that, "Getting immunized is a lifelong, life-protecting community effort regardless of age, sex, race, ethnic background or country of origin. Recommended vaccinations begin soon after birth and continue throughout life. Being aware of the vaccines that are recommended for infants, children, adolescents and adults of all ages, and making sure that we receive these immunizations, are critical to protecting ourselves and our communities from disease."

The 72nd Medical Group's Immunization Clinic at Tinker provides vaccines to children, adults and retirees. Children can receive all recommended vaccines including tetanus, diphtheria, Hepatitis A and B, chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella and others. Adults can also receive standard vaccines, which should include updating their tetanus vaccine and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. Retirees can receive immunizations for Shingles and Pneumonia. Those seeking the Shingles vaccine should call to check availability as supplies are limited due to a national shortage.

Currently, active duty members, those preparing to deploy and high risk patients are receiving flu shots. The flu vaccine will be available to dependents and retirees at a later date. For information, call the Immunization Clinic at 736-2225.

Tinker's immunization program is focused on prevention; therefore, staying on schedule is extremely important. Everyone should take the time to educate themselves about what vaccines are recommended for them and their family. Information about immunizations can be easily accessed online from your home computer. A website hosted by the CDC that outlines recommended vaccinations can be found at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/parents-guide/default.htm.

The Immunizations Clinic is open from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. weekdays. It is closed at noon on the third Wednesday of every month for training. All civilian TRICARE beneficiaries can get their vaccine at a TRICARE accepting pharmacy off-base.