ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. -- Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Department of Defense (DOD) employees, Aerospace Testing Alliance (ATA) and subcontractors and eligible TRICARE beneficiaries such as active duty, retirees and their family are able to receive the flu vaccine at the base Medical Aid Station.
TRICARE beneficiaries may receive the free flu vaccine on a walk-in basis from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., Monday through Friday at the Air Force Medical Aid Station.
ATA contract personnel and AEDC DOD government civilians who are not TRICARE beneficiaries may receive the flu vaccine for $15 on a walk-in basis today through Nov. 8, 12 - 3 p.m. at the Occupational Health Contract Clinic. Payment should be presented in the exact amount or a check made payable to ATA.
The contract clinic will not schedule appointments as they have in the past. However, third shift contract employees should call 454-5385 to schedule an appointment due to conflicts in employee work schedules and contract clinic hours.
"Be aware that there may be a lengthy wait," said Leslie Myers, Comprehensive Occupational Resources registered nurse for ATA. "Everyone should be flexible and willing to return at another time if their schedules don't permit them to wait."
The vaccine is administered on a first-come, first-serve basis and supplies are limited.
Flu vaccines will not be administered to children less than age eight.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. While there are many different flu viruses, the flu vaccine is designed to protect against the three main flu strains that research indicates will cause the most illness during the flu season.
The CDC suggests that early treatment for the flu is especially important for the elderly, the very young, people with certain chronic health conditions and pregnant women.
The CDC list preventive actions that will help fight flu germs:
· Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
· If you or your child gets sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you or your child stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
· While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
· Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
· Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
For more information about the flu vaccine administered through the Air Force Medical Aid Station, call 454-5351 or through the Occupational Health Contract Clinic call 454-5385.