Seasonal flu, H1N1 shots coming to Mountain Home AFB Published Sept. 14, 2009 By Senior Airman Samantha S. Crane 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- TRICARE beneficiaries are slated to receive seasonal flu shots starting in October while H1N1 vaccinations will begin in November. "The 366th Medical Group is working in conjunction with Air Force higher headquarters and the Idaho Central District Health Department to acquire and distribute H1N1 vaccinations," said Lt. Col. Peter Breed, 366th Aerospace Medicine Squadron commander. While seasonal flu shots will be administered on a mass scale, the H1N1 shots will be distributed based on a risk-priority schedule determined by health care professionals. Active-duty and family members assigned to the base hospital will receive vaccinations through normal Department of Defense supply chains. Other TRICARE Prime patients can receive the vaccine for free through a TRICARE network provider, preferably their primary care manager. The shot is also free for those enrolled in TRICARE Standard, Extra or TRICARE Prime Remote, as long as they use any TRICARE-authorized provider. If beneficiaries have any concerns about getting a seasonal flu shot or H1N1 vaccine, they should talk to their doctor. Typically, anyone six months and older can be vaccinated. While the seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines are required for all active-duty military personnel, the CDC recommends the seasonal flu vaccine for those at high risk, including: · Children aged six months until their 19th birthday · Pregnant women · People 50 years of age and older · People of any age with certain chronic health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease) · People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities · Household contacts of person at high risk for complications from influenza · Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than six months of age · Health care workers The CDC also recommends the Novel H1N1 vaccine for those at high risk, including: · Pregnant women · Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than six months of age · Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel · All people from six months through 24 years of age · Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza For more information about the seasonal flu vaccination, West Region TRICARE beneficiaries can talk to their doctor or visit the TriWest Healthy Living Portal at www.triwest.com/healthyliving or by calling 1-888-TRI-WEST.