Flu vaccine: available for dependents and service members

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Malissa Lott
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Flu vaccinations are now available for all service members and dependents.

The vaccinations will be administered at the immunization clinic in the base hospital. Patients can do walk-in appointments for vaccinations Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during normal business hours.

"It's going to protect you from the flu," said Staff Sgt. Anastasia Daly, allergy and immunizations technician. "This will prevent hospitalizations and generally even death. Basically, this is keeping everyone healthy."

For individuals with asthma or other chronic illness, it is especially important to get vaccinated.

With more than 1,200 individuals already vaccinated, the immunizations office keeps working to take care of Gunfighters.

"The mist or the shot will be administered at the patient's discretion," said Daly. "We are still anticipating another shipment of [the mist]."

Fortunately, no duty time should be lost due to side effects.

"There is always a chance with the mist you could have mild flu-like symptoms, but the vaccine cannot give you the flu," said Daly.

There are also vaccinations available for children younger than four years of age.

"We just received vaccinations for children four years and younger," said Staff Sgt. April Nguyen, NCO in charge of the allergy and immunizations clinic. "So we are ready to administer those vaccines."

The immunizations clinic continuously works to keep the Gunfighter family healthy and our Airmen combat ready.

"I plan on bringing in my kids. I have a two-year old and six-month old, I want to keep them healthy," said Carla Marinas, mother of two.

Hours for vaccinations are Mondays and Wednesdays 7:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Fridays 7:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.