20th MDG expands flu vaccinations Published Oct. 23, 2012 By Courtney Lomboy 20th Medical Group SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The 20th Medical Group immunizations clinic is now offering the flu vaccine to all TRICARE Prime beneficiaries enrolled to the Shaw medical facility. The 20th MDG has received shipments of both the flu shot and the live form of the influenza vaccine commonly referred to as the Flu Mist. Immunization clinic hours are Monday 1-4 p.m., Tuesday 7:30 a.m. to noon, Wednesday 1-4 p.m., Thursday 7:30 am. to noon and Friday 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m. The flu vaccine is a major step towards preventing flu-like illness that can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is to get immunized each year. In addition to the seasonal flu vaccine, please remember to wash your hands frequently, cover your mouth and nose with your arm or a tissue when coughing and widen your distance between others. The Flu mist is delivered as a nasal spray and is recommended for healthy individuals between the ages of 2 and 49 years old. If you or your family members are considered high risk then it is very important that you receive your flu immunization without delay. People at High Risk for Developing Flu-Related Complications: · Children between the ages of 6 months - 5 years old · Adults 65 years of age and older · Pregnant women · People who have medical conditions including: · Asthma · Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury]. · Chronic lung disease [such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis] · Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease) · Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease) · Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus) · Kidney disorders · Liver disorders · Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders) · Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids) · People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy · People who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index (BMI), of 40 or greater) Individuals 6 months - 9 years of age receiving the flu vaccine for the first time will need to be vaccinated twice with at least 28 days between shots. Individuals who have, or have had the following, should consult a physician prior to being vaccinated: · Severe allergy to chicken eggs. · A severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past. · Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within the last 6 weeks. · Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group). · Currently experiencing moderate or severe illness with a fever (should wait to get vaccinated until symptoms lessen or resolve). Both forms of the flu vaccine are available to 20th MDG Prime enrollees at the Shaw Clinic. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Public Health at 895-6193 or Immunizations at 895-6096/6492. For more information on Influenza see the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.