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Flu clinic for beneficiaries on October 27

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Kathleen A. Eisenbrey
  • 15th Medical Group
JOINT BASE PEARL HARBOR HICKAM, Hawaii --  Complimentary annual influenza vaccinations will be available to TRICARE beneficiaries in the Hickam BXtra from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, Oct 27.

The flu vaccinations will be provided at no cost to active duty military, military retirees, and their families on a walk-in basis. TRICARE beneficiaries are requested to bring their current Department of Defense ID cards to verify eligibility.

Flu season typically begins on Oct 1 each year and continues through the winter and spring months in the following year. However, Hawaii has an extended flu season in comparison to the continental United States.

"Although Hawaii experiences a flu season, we tend to see flu year round because of our tropical climates and tourist populations," states the Hawaii Department of Health website.

The most effective method for protection is receiving the annual seasonal influenza vaccine. This year's vaccine protects against three flu viruses that are predicted to cause the most illness during the upcoming season. Last year's flu vaccine will not provide sufficient immunity for the current flu season.

According to the CDC, it is "especially important for children [to get vaccinated] because they are at increased risk of getting severe illness from flu." Children younger than nine years receiving a flu vaccine for the first time need two doses of vaccine in the first year. However, children younger than six months are too young to get vaccinated.

The flu may cause mild to severe illness and may lead to death in severe cases.

"Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age, but some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications if they get sick," states the CDC website. "This includes people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women, and young children."

Influenza - "the flu" - is a contagious respiratory illness caused by seasonal influenza viruses. Symptoms may include fever and/or chills, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffy nose, headaches, muscle or body aches and fatigue, among others.