What should you do to fight the flu? Published Nov. 26, 2008 By Capt. Krista Grey 5th Medical Group Office of Health Care Integration MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Flu season is upon us and one of the best ways to protect against the flu is by receiving an annual flu vaccine. There is enough vaccine this year for everyone enrolled to the 5th Medical Group here to receive it. All active duty members are required to receive the vaccine unless medically contraindicated. Everyone who is at risk for complications from influenza disease is strongly encouraged to get the flu vaccine. Based on current guidelines, the Office of the Surgeon General recommends that certain high-risk groups of people be vaccinated each year. High-risk groups include: · all children 6 months through 4 years old · everyone 50 years old and over · females who will be pregnant during the flu season · those with chronic illness such as diabetes, heart, kidney, liver or blood disease, and immune deficiencies like HIV/AIDS or leukemia · people with breathing problems like asthma or emphysema · children 6 months to 18 years old who are on chronic aspirin therapy · people who can transmit flu to high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, childcare providers and caregivers for those in high-risk groups Who should not receive the flu vaccine? Those who should avoid the flu vaccine include: · persons with a history of allergic reactions to eggs · those with a history of hypersensitivity to the vaccine · those with febrile illness (please note that you can be vaccinated if you have a cold or other mild illness without fever or once you have been 24 hours or more without a fever) · Subsequent vaccination should be avoided for persons known to have developed the rare nerve disease, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, within 6 weeks of a previous vaccination. Where can I go to get the vaccine? Pediatric enrollees can receive the flu vaccine at the base Pediatrics Clinic Monday through Friday from 9 to 11a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m., except for the 2nd Thursday of the month when the clinic is closed for readiness training. If you are pregnant, then you will need a written prescription from your provider in order to receive the flu vaccine. Adult enrollees can go to the base Immunizations Clinic for their flu vaccine (see hours listed below). Immunization Clinic hours are: Monday and Tuesday 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m. Thursday 7:30 a.m. to noon The clinic is closed on the 2nd Thursday afternoon of each month. For more information, contact the Immunizations Clinic at 723-5056 or the Pediatric Clinic front desk at 723-5454 during regular duty hours. For more information about seasonal flu, logon to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.