Influenza or “flu” is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can potentially result in hospitalization or death. A yearly flu vaccination is the best way to reduce influenza illnesses, doctor visits, missed attendance at work or school, and prevent flu-related hospitalizations. The seasonal influenza vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) to be the most likely to spread and cause illness among people during the influenza season. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration makes the final decision about vaccine viruses included in influenza vaccines in the United States.
COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines
The CDC and the MHS recommend getting the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the same time. The DHA has embarked on its annual influenza immunization drive. Immunization against influenza and COVID-19 are required for Service members and health care personnel. The COVID-19 vaccine booster is strongly recommended.
Co-administration of the COVID-19 vaccine or booster alongside the flu vaccine is safe, and the CDC recommends individuals receive both the flu vaccine and their COVID-19 booster at the same time.
The influenza vaccine is often administered to entire units at once. Military leaders should work with installation medical personnel to ensure that Service members are able to receive their COVID-19 booster when receiving their required flu vaccine, but particularly during these unit drives.
Pregnant People
Pregnant people are at an increased risk for severe illness and complications if they get the flu. If you’re pregnant during flu season, call your doctor to see when and how you can get the flu shot. They can tell you which vaccines the CDC recommends for pregnant people and how to protect you and your baby during flu season.
Mandatory Populations
The annual flu shot is mandatory for civilian health care personnel who provide direct patient care and is highly recommended for all other staff who work in military hospitals and clinics. Active-Duty Service Members are required to get the flu vaccine each year. All service members, regardless of status, should follow guidance from their leadership chain. If you don’t have access to a military hospital or clinic, you can get the flu shot from a participating retail network pharmacy or your primary care manager.
Importance of Flu Vaccination
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is straining health care resources, making the flu vaccine more important than ever. A surge in flu cases is certain to impact health care systems and levels of care across the enterprise.
The flu vaccine can reduce the significant burden already placed on the health care system due to the pandemic and further conserve critical medical resources.
Getting vaccinated helps protect health care workers from getting sick with the flu. Vaccinated health care professionals tend to miss fewer days of work. And vaccination is associated with enhanced patient safety, better quality of care, and improved outcomes.
Active-Duty Service Members are required to get the flu vaccine each year, ensuring they remain safe from potential health threats. For decades, vaccine requirements have been an important and ongoing part of active-duty service. While some may be experiencing vaccine fatigue, this year shouldn’t be any different. Now is a great time to get vaccinated.
Availability
Flu vaccines are now available at your local military hospital or clinic. There’s no shortage of flu vaccine this year and the DHA will have enough for all active duty and reserve components.
The CDC recommends everyone get the flu vaccine by the end of October. While flu season usually peaks between December and March, the vaccine will offer protection as long as the virus is circulating.
You can also go to a TRICARE participating network pharmacy to get the flu vaccine.