Flu vaccination season begins at Goodfellow Published Oct. 9, 2013 17th Medical Group GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- This year's flu vaccination season kicked off on Oct. 8. Col. Kimberlee Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander, group commanders, joint service and other wing leadership received their flu vaccination. The regular flu season starts this month and runs until June 2014. "We are working on a schedule now for active duty and Defense Department beneficiaries," said Lt. Col. Regina Agee, 17th Medical Operations Squadron Commander. "Our goal is to have the majority of active duty vaccinated by mid to late November." Vaccinations are mandatory for active duty, reserve and guard personnel. The seasonal flu vaccine will be offered to the training squadrons and active duty permanent party personnel initially. In addition, the MDG will mail letters to the high-risk population. Flu shots are available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays during the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m at the base clinic. Due to the delay in receiving the flu products, the MDG will advertise in the base paper and the MDG Facebook page when the vaccines are available to all DoD beneficiaries. "Immunization is the best primary prevention for influenza, but secondary prevention measures are; cover your cough, wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze," said Agee. "You can also use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, try to avoid close contact with sick people through social distancing, and do not go to work if you are sick." For more information or questions, contact the Immunizations Clinic at 325-654-1484.
