Flu Shots are Available for All Beneficiaries Published Oct. 27, 2010 By Captain Vanessa Johnson 366th Medical Group MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- Flu shots and Flu Mist are now available for all beneficiaries at the base immunization clinic. The immunization clinic provides Flu vaccinations Monday through Thursday 7:30a.m. to 11:45a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4p.m. and Friday 7:30a.m. to 11:45a.m. This year's flu vaccine provides protection from both the seasonal flu and H1N1, so no need for two shots this year! Flu shots are mandatory for all active duty members, and they are strongly encouraged for people with high risk conditions and their family members. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with high risk conditions are defined as those having asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, nursing home residents, women in their second and third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season, children on chronic aspirin therapy, people with immune system problems, adults over 65 years old and children ages six to 23 months and their caretakers. If anyone in your household is considered to be high risk, all members of your household should receive the flu shot at the same time. Children under nine who are being vaccinated for the first time, receive two shots given 30 days apart. Any child who has been vaccinated in the past only needs the annual booster. Most side effects of the vaccine are minimal and include mild injections site pain and flu-like symptoms with fever for one to two days. The vaccine is not recommended for individuals with egg allergies, as it can cause a life-threatening allergic reaction. For more information about Flu shots, contact the immunization clinic at 828-7260 or log onto the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site at www.cdc.gov.