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Flu season approaches, vaccines available

  • Published
  • By Maj (Dr.) Niraj Govil
  • 87th Medical Group
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Another Flu season is about to begin and the 87th Medical Group is beginning to receive Influenza vaccines available for the JB MDL patient population. As in previous years, FluMist nasal spray will be given to active-duty personnel. For now, as per DOD guidelines, the priority is for health care workers and active-duty deployers. Clinic personnel will continue to open influenza immunizations to the remainder of active-duty personnel and general beneficiary population as additional supplies are received over the next six weeks.

FluMist is a vaccine approved for the prevention of certain types of influenza disease in children, adolescents and adults 2 to 49 years of age. FluMist nasal spray is made from a live virus that has been weakened to the point that it is unlikely that someone receiving the vaccine will become infected.

FluMist is not for everyone. FluMist must not be given to: people with history of hypersensitivity to eggs, egg proteins, gentamicin, gelatin, arginine, life-threatening reactions to previous influenza vaccinations or children and adolescents receiving aspirin or aspirin-containing therapy. Children less than 24 months of age are not eligible to receive FluMist.

The following people may not be able to get FluMist or may receive it in certain situations: people with asthma or active wheezing, children less than 5 years of age with recurrent wheezing, a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a weakened immune system, long-term medical conditions including heart disease, kidney disease, metabolic diseases, diabetes and pregnant women. Healthcare providers will decide if FluMist is right for anyone who falls into one of these groups.

Global public health authorities have determined that this season's vaccine will include the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain among the three vaccine strains. Additionally, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel of immunization experts advising the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, voted in June 2010 to recommend that children younger than 9 years old who did not receive at least one dose of the H1N1 monovalent vaccine in the 2009-2010 season should receive two doses of the 2010-2011 trivalent seasonal vaccine.

For those who do not qualify for the FluMist, the 87th MDG will also have standard injectable Influenza vaccines available. Pregnant women and children will receive thimerosol-free vaccines. Thimerosal is a mercury-containing organic compound which has been used in the past as a preservative in very trace amounts.

The 87th MDG will not be able to provide the high dose Fluzone, a new vaccine available this flu season. It is being recommended for patients 65 and older whose immunity may require an extra boost for flu season. To find a participating TRICARE Retail Network Pharmacy that provides seasonal Influenza vaccine (to include Fluzone High Dose for 65 years old and older) and Pneumococcal Vaccine, refer to www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy/. Click on "Find a Participating Pharmacy" and type in a street address or zip code and all approved pharmacies in that area will be listed.
www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy/