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                         November 16, 2001

Get your flu shot now

By Lt. Col. Michael Bayles
Community Nurse

This year the influenza immunization is highly recommended because of current concerns regarding bioterrorism. Getting the shot can help you -- and your doctor -- from differentiating between anthrax and influenza, which have similar symptoms.

Influenza immunization is mandatory (unless medically contraindicated) for all active-duty military -- and reservists on active-duty for 30 days or more -- during the influenza season.

Although there has been a delay in vaccine delivery due to production difficulties, we expect to have enough to immunize the majority of our beneficiaries by the beginning of December.

We’ve already begun immunizing high-risk military health care beneficiaries as they are seen by their health care providers for routine care or are hospitalized. This will continue through the winter.

Over the next few weeks we will work to immunize mission-essential healthcare personnel with direct patient contact (due to increased potential to transmit influenza virus infection to high-risk persons).

Cadets and USCC staff started receiving shots this week and the post units should be finished by mid-December at the latest.

Civilians here at West Point need to see private doctors or the Public Health Department to receive immunizations.

Flu shots for civilian personnel are based on availability. Historically, Keller Army Community Hospital has had extra vaccine which it makes available to civilians after enrolled military health care beneficiaries have been immunized. We hope to do so again this year, but won’t know for certain until mid-December.

The Orange County Health Department will be giving the vaccinations at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Walden Nov. 27, 9:30-10:30 a.m. and at the Town of Newburgh Ambulance Corps building on Route 52, Dec. 12, 9:30-11 a.m. There is a $10 charge for the shot.