“They have a long, proven history of fighting diseases and keeping individuals and communities healthy.” Why get the flu shot?
A flu shot can help protect you and your family.
When and where to get your shot You should get your flu shot every year before flu season starts.
As described in the TRICARE Pharmacy Handbook, TRICARE covers the flu shot at no cost to you, as long as you: Go to a military hospital or clinic.
Stay healthy this season Getting your flu shot is an easy way to help ward off illness this winter.
It’s time to consider your health as the leaves change and the temperature drops. The flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus are among the respiratory illnesses that are more common in the fall and winter.
Getting vaccinated against these diseases is crucial because they can cause serious illness or hospitalization. Having your flu shot is a straightforward action that can have a significant impact.
“Vaccines are an important part of our health care arsenal,” the U.S. S. Army Col. Justice Thurman J. Saunders, a family medicine nurse practitioner and the Defense Health Agency’s Principal Deputy to the Deputy Assistant Director for Healthcare Operations. “They have a long and illustrious history of preventing illness and maintaining the health of both individuals and communities. “.
Why take a flu shot?
Not all flus are just bad colds. It may even send you to the hospital and cause you to become very sick. The flu can be much more dangerous for some people, such as pregnant women and elderly adults. The good news is that you and your family can stay safe if you get vaccinated.
The best time and location for your shot.
Every year, before the flu season officially begins, you should have your vaccination. Ideally, you should receive it by the end of October. You can still prevent serious illness during flu season by getting vaccinated, so don’t worry if you’re running late.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations, TRICARE provides coverage for vaccinations. The flu shot is free for you if you meet certain requirements, as stated in the TRICARE Pharmacy Handbook.
Visit a military clinic or hospital.
Visit a retail network pharmacy for TRICARE members. Make sure the immunisation is administered by a pharmacist. Should you receive a vaccination from a different kind of provider at a retail pharmacy, you might have to pay for it yourself.
Consult a civilian provider authorized by TRICARE. Nevertheless, you might be required to pay cost-shares or copayments if you receive additional services concurrently. Depending on your health plan, these expenses change.
Military hospitals, clinics, and TRICARE-approved civilian providers are the places where foreign residents can obtain their vaccinations.
Check by phone whether you need an appointment and whether the vaccine is available before scheduling your flu shot.
Does anyone require a flu shot?
Each year, people six months of age and older should receive a flu vaccination, according to CDC guidelines.
Remember that certain populations are more susceptible to severe influenza-related complications than others. They’re as follows:.
adults 65 years of age and up.
those who are expecting.
individuals with specific medical conditions.
It’s especially crucial to get vaccinated if you belong to any of these groups.
Not just the flu.
It’s important to defend yourself against more than just the flu. It is possible to receive your COVID-19 vaccination along with your flu shot. This season’s COVID-19 vaccine has been modified to target the newest virus strains, providing better defense against existing variations.
If you are eligible, you ought to find out if the respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, vaccine is also available. It’s a common virus that can mimic the symptoms of a cold.
RSV is not a serious condition for most people. However, it may be harmful to infants and elderly people. RSV can cause severe illness in certain individuals. For people who are highly vulnerable, it may occasionally be fatal.
Certain groups are covered by TRICARE for RSV vaccinations:.
infants younger than eight months.
There are certain infants (8 to 19 months old) who are more susceptible to severe RSV illness.
adults sixty years of age and above.
individuals who are between 32 and 36 weeks along in their pregnancy.
Speak with your healthcare provider about receiving an RSV vaccination if you or a loved one belong to any of these categories.
Getting these vaccinations at the same time will help you avoid illness and save time.
Take care of your health this season.
One simple method to help prevent illness this winter is to get your flu shot. The vaccination reduces your risk of contracting the flu, becoming ill, visiting the hospital, or even passing away from it.
Recall that you’re doing more than just defending yourself when you receive your shot. Additionally, you’re promoting the safety of your neighborhood, friends, and family.
Visit TRICARE Immunizations or speak with your healthcare provider for additional information about vaccinations, including flu shots.
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