Injectable flu vaccine available at base clinic Published Nov. 26, 2008 By 72nd Medical Group Tinker Air Force Base TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Flu vaccine has arrived in the immunizations clinic and is now available for all TRICARE beneficiaries. This includes active duty, dependents and retirees with and without health problems. It's best to get vaccinated early because most flu illnesses occur in January or February, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. On average, 226,000 people are hospitalized every year because of influenza and 36,000 die from complications, according to the CDC. Complications include serious infections and pneumonia, as well as high fever and seizures in children. Annual influenza vaccination is required for all active duty personnel in all services. Anyone on active duty who has not yet been immunized this fall is now due. Active duty members are encouraged to walk into the immunizations clinic during the duty day to get their vaccination. The 72nd Medical Group uses two forms of vaccine, the injection, or flu "shot," and the most modern version of the vaccine, FluMist. The flu "shot" is a dead form of the flu virus that is injected into the muscle. The vaccine will help build antibodies to prevent serious flu-related illnesses, said Staff Sgt. Tiffany Gordon, non-commissioned officer in charge of the Immunizations and Allergy Clinic. It usually takes about two weeks to develop the antibodies. FluMist is a live, weakened form of the flu virus that is sprayed into the nostrils. In addition to building antibodies, FluMist gives the body a "trial run" for fighting off an infection, said Sergeant Gordon. The flu shot is available for anyone six months and older, but is not used for active duty personnel unless they are unable to use FluMist. FluMist is recommended for healthy children and adults ages 2 to 49 without any underlying conditions causing predisposition to flu complications. This includes asthma and other respiratory diseases, as well as some chronic medical conditions. The immunizations clinic's hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. weekdays except the third Wednesday of the month, when the clinic closes at noon for training. In past years, the 72nd MDG has been able to release "excess" vaccine to Tinker civilian employees once their beneficiaries are vaccinated. The vaccine supply this year is limited to TRICARE beneficiaries. Civilians will not be vaccinated by the 72nd MDG and are encouraged to get their flu shots from other sources. For questions about the flu vaccine, call the Immunization and Allergy Clinic at 736-2225.