H1N1 vaccination available to joint base Published Oct. 21, 2009 By Staff Report 87th Medical Group Staff Report JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- In recent weeks, there have been media reports about parents who are reluctant to vaccinate their children against the H1N1 influenza. Since H1N1 has been described as similar in severity to seasonal flu, many people believe it is not a significant health threat, which is far from the truth. Seasonal influenza is a major threat, killing about 36,000 people a year nationwide. H1N1 further complicates by targeting groups who are not considered high risk for flu, in particular, children and young adults. About 10,000 people have been hospitalized with H1N1 nationally since April. 1,000 have died of this illness, including 76 children. Base health officials encourage all JB MDL citizens to vaccinate their children and themselves as the vaccine becomes available. Currently, the 87th Medical Group is offering the H1N1 live intranasal mist vaccine to all JB MDL civilians (non-active duty personnel who are federal government employees at JB MDL), enrolled beneficiaries (those signed up to receive primary health care at the 87 MDG), Contract Child Care/Youth and Fire/EMS/Security Personnel. The injectable H1N1 vaccination will be available to all active-duty, reserve, and guard personnel in November. Vaccinations are available at the 87 MDG Immunization Clinic located at 3458 Neely Road on McGuire. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, call the Immunizations Clinic at (609) 754-9209. Additionally, updated information on H1N1 and the seasonal flu can be found by visiting the Joint Base MDL Web site at www.jointbasemdl.af.mil/fluupdates . (Maj. Dana Gilligan and Dr. Niraj Govil, 87th Medical Group, contributed all information to this report.)