Mandatory flu vaccines now available Published Oct. 28, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Bekah Phy 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- FluMist is now available for all active-duty Airmen enrolled with the 305th Medical Group; compliance with the vaccine is mandatory. Currently, McGuire is seven of 12 among Air Mobility Command bases with regard to the flu vaccination currency. "We'd like to be No. 1," said Capt. Joanne Conley, 305th Aeromedical Squadron Public Health Flight operations officer. "That will take a lot of teamwork and help from commanders to really engage their Airmen to get vaccinated and really push to get it done." In accordance with AFJI 48-110, it is mandatory for all active-duty members to receive a flu vaccination each year. It is also required for civilian healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care in DoD Military Treatment Facility's as a condition of employment, unless there is a documented medical or religious reason not to be immunized. It is also highly recommended that all beneficiaries, 65 years and older and 2-64 years with an underlying chronic medical condition, get the flu vaccine. "It's important for Airmen to receive the flu vaccine to ensure that they are medically ready to deploy anywhere at any time," Captain Conley said. "We encourage everyone to get the flu vaccine as soon as possible for best protection, as annual epidemics of flu occur typically during late fall through early spring seasons." In addition to the McGuire Immunization Clinic, which is open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., flu vaccines will also be offered at the fitness center during the Warrior Run Nov. 5, 6:30 to 8 a.m. FluMist is now available for the following categories of beneficiaries: a. All active duty of all services enrolled to 305th MDG b. Civilian first responders c. Team McGuire key and essential civilian personnel d. Child development center/family day care/after school/youth program workers e. Children, ages 24 to 59 months, attending licensed child care or pre-school f. All children, ages 2-18 years, who can get FluMist For more information, call Captain Conley at (609) 754-9398 or the Immunization Clinic at (609) 754-9209.