The staff of Martin Army Community Hospital has immunized more than 25,000 active-duty Soldiers and 1,000 Department of Defense civilians with the seasonal flu vaccine or mist.
"We've been working closely with all the units on post to ensure that every active-duty Soldier receives their influenza immunization," said MAJ Renee Busse, chief of Community Health Nursing. "We also have a mass immunization planned for the H1N1 influenza in the very near future."
The hospital is getting the H1N1 stocks from various sources, said Dr. Cynthia D. Borel, chief, MEDPROS.
The state of Georgia supplied the H1N1 vaccine for the non-active-duty patients, family members and retirees, she said. The supply from the federal stock is designated for Soldiers.
A shipment designated for non-active-duty patients arrived, Borel said, which will allow pregnant patients, older adults (50 years and older) who take care of infants 6 months and younger, and patients who have chronic medical conditions.
The inactivated H1N1 vaccine is recommended for pregnant women, Borel said.
Patients not contacted by the doctor for the flu shot can get the immunization at the walk-in clinic. Patients in the above categories can schedule an appointment with the Family Medicine and Pediatrics Clinic by calling 706-544-2273 or visiting the Flu Clinic, located on the eighth floor, 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
However, all hospital clinics are closed Thursday and Friday in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
For more information, read upcoming editions of The Bayonet or check the Web pages, www.benning.army.mil and www.martin.amedd.army.mil.
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