The 20th Medical Group at Shaw Air Force Base is offering flu vaccinations to all enrolled TRICARE Prime beneficiaries. They have received shipments of both the flu shot and the nasal spray flu vaccine. High risk groups like young children, pregnant women, and those with medical conditions should get vaccinated without delay. The immunization clinic hours are listed. Washing hands and practicing good hygiene also helps prevent flu. Both the flu shot and nasal spray vaccine are available to beneficiaries at the Shaw Clinic.

1. FLU VACCINATIONS
By: Courtney Lomboy, NCOIC, 20th MDG Immunizations Clinic
The 20th Medical Group (MDG) is now offering the flu vaccine to all TRICAREPrime beneficiaries enrolled to the
Shaw medical facility. The 20th MDG hasreceived shipments of both the flu shot and the live form of the influenza
vaccine commonly referred to as the Flu Mist. The Flu mist is delivered asa nasal spray and is recommended for
healthy individuals between the ages of2 and 49 years old.If you or your family members are considered high risk
(as noted below) then it is very important that you receive your flu immunization without delay.
Note: AD military stationed at or attached to Shaw Air Force Base must receive their flu vaccine from the
20th MDG.
Flu vaccinationsareavailable in the Immunization Clinic:
Immunization Clinic Hours:
Monday—1300-1600
Tuesday—0730-1200
Wednesday—1300-1600
Thursday—0730-1200
Friday—0730-1200; 1300-1600
Note: Immunizations clinic is closed the first Friday of every other month for training with the next closure
onDec7th.
The flu vaccine is a major step towards preventing flu-like illness that can lead to death. The best way to prevent the
flu is to get immunized each year. In addition to the seasonal flu vaccine, please remember to wash your hands
frequently, cover your mouth and nose with your arm or a tissue when coughing and widen your distance between
others.
FLU FACTS
Seasonal and H1N1 vaccines have been combined this year so there is only one flu vaccine.
Individuals 6months – 9 years of age receiving the flu vaccine for the first time will need to be vaccinated twice with
at least 28 days between shots.
People at High Risk for Developing Flu -Related Complications
Children between the ages of 6 months – 5 years old
Adults 65 years of age and older
Pregnant women
People who have medical conditions including:
Asthma
Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord,
peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual
disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal
cord injury].
Chronic lung disease [such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis]
Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)

2. Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer,
or those on chronic steroids)
People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
People who are morbidly obese (Body Mass Index (BMI), of 40 or greater)
The flu vaccine is available in the live [Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV)], and non-live [Trivalent
Inactivated Vaccine (TIV)]form. LAIV is given nasally and is commonly called FluMist. Individuals that are
healthy, having no chronic problems such as asthma, diabetes, immune, heart, lung or other deficiencies and are
between the ages of 2 and 49 years old will receive the live virus (Flu Mist).
TIV is given as a shot. Individuals that are 6months – 2years old or over 49 years old, beneficiaries that are
pregnant, diabetic, asthmatic, have heart, lung, immune or other deficiencies should receive the flu vaccine in this
form.
The CDC states that unless contraindicated due to other medical conditions, women who are breastfeeding can
receive either the TIV or LAIV form of the flu vaccine.
Individuals who have, or have had the following, should consult a physician prior to being vaccinated:
Severe allergy to chicken eggs.
A severe reaction to an influenza vaccination in the past.
Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) within the last 6 weeks.
Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for use in this age group).
Currently experiencing moderate or severe illness with a fever (should wait to get vaccinated until
symptoms lessen or resolve).
Note: If your spouse is pregnant or a family member has an illness listed as high-risk, the TIV shot is given.
Both forms of the flu vaccine are available to 20 MDG Prime enrollees at the Shaw Clinic. If you have any
questions or concerns, please contact Public Health at 895-6193 or Immunizations at 895-6096/6492. For more
information on Influenza see the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/flu.
Flu Shots and other immunizations are considered preventive services by TRICARE policy. If non-AD TRICARE
beneficiaries choose to obtain a Flu Shot from a Network Provider, be sure to use a TRICARE network provider or a
TRICARE participating pharmacy.
To find a participating pharmacy near you, visit the Express Scripts web site or call 1-877-363-1303. Note: laws
vary from state to state. Call your local pharmacy to verify vaccination schedule, availability, and any age
restrictions.
Trice Prime Beneficiaries who obtain the Flu Shot from a Network Provider (to include a Pharmacy) do not require
a referral and are not assessed a co-pay. AD Members must obtain their Flu shots through their assigned Military
Treatment Facility. Any beneficiary enrolled to Tricare Standard is not required to have a referral and does not have
a cost share.