Flu vaccinations now availible

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt.Brian McMahan
  • 20th Medical Group
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The seasonal flu vaccine is currently available to all military family members at the 20th Medical Group's immunizations clinic during the following hours:

Monday 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Wednesday 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Friday 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The 20th Medical Group will be closed at 12 p.m. Oct. 16 for training.

The best way to prevent the seasonal flu is to get immunized each year. In addition to the seasonal flu vaccine, an H1N1 vaccine is projected to be available Nov. 1. Medical authorities recommend this year that people get both the seasonal and the H1N1 vaccine.

The 20th MDG has not received projected arrival dates for the H1N1 vaccine yet. When they do, procedures will be publicized for vaccination.

Civilian services such as CVS MinuteClinics (only two in Columbia; please call 803-895-6096/6550 for further details), Doctor's Care and Colonial Family Practice are delivering "flu shot" clinics in the local community as well. Off-base options are covered by Tricare for beneficiaries who have Tricare Prime. No pre-authorization or referral is needed. For more information call 803-895-6096. Should you receive a flu vaccine outside of the Shaw medical facility, please stop by the immunizations clinic so that your electronic shot record can be updated.