Flu drive begins at MACH

By Nichole Riley, Moncrief Army Community HospitalOctober 7, 2010

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Seasonal flu vaccines are available to eligible beneficiaries on the sixth floor, Room 6-27, at MACH for ages 4 years and older. Family members and retirees with valid military identification are eligible.

Vaccinations will be given between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Beginning Oct. 18, flu shots will be given at the Solomon Center from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The next date will be Oct. 23 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Military service members will receive immunizations from the 120th Adjutant General Battalion (Reception) Immunization section or SRP site as arranged through their units. This will assist in maintaining unit readiness accountability. Service members should not go to the Solomon Center or the hospital.

Children between the ages of 6 months and 3 years can get their flu shots at the Family Health Clinic by walk-in or by appointment from 8 to 11:30 a.m. or 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Call 751-CARE for an appointment.

MACH cannot provide seasonal flu vaccine at this time for non-beneficiaries. DoD, contract and any other civilian employees should obtain their seasonal flu vaccine from their primary care managers or DHEC locations.

TRICARE-authorized beneficiaries who do not wish to use the MACH Immunization Clinic or wait for the Fort Jackson Flu Drive can use Minute or Concentra clinics found at pharmacies. A list of these clinics can be found online at www.TRICARE.mil.

The two flu vaccines available are:

- FluMist nasal-spray flu vaccine: a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu (sometimes called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine" or FluMist). LAIV (FluMist) is approved for use in healthy people 2 to 49 years old who are not pregnant and have no history of asthma.

- Flu shot: an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus) that is given with a needle, usually in the arm. The flu shot is approved for use in people older than 6 months, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.

Note that if you have ever had any severe allergic reactions to flu vaccine in the past, you should not get vaccinated. Please speak with your primary care manager to see if you qualify.

If you have questions or would like more information, call 751-2434.