Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas -- There are a number of ways Laughlin members can receive flu vaccines.
Military members, their families and retirees can visit the Immunization Clinic to receive free flu vaccines from 8:30 until 11:45 a.m. and 1 until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Additionally, these beneficiaries can also get free flu shots locally at Wal-Mart, CVS, United Medical Center and H-E-B in Del Rio and Clinic Pharmacy in Brackettville via TRICARE.
According to the TRICARE website, a pharmacist needs to give you the shot to ensure it’s covered by Tricare. More details are available at this link: https://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy/findpharmacy.shtml
“In support of the 47th Flying Wing's primary mission to produce the world's greatest pilots, it's critical we keep our fighting force working at peak levels. Providing preventive medicine, like flu vaccinations, in a timely manner is one way to contribute to ensuring mission success, and protecting our base population. Additionally, providing civilian employees with this vaccine is not a covered benefit for Government Service employees. Because our maintenance directorate is vital to operations, they have been incorporated in the 47th Flying Training Wing's annual flu vaccination program, and may receive the vaccine at the Laughlin clinic,” said Col Michael Patronis, 47th Medical Group commander.
Influenza, the flu, is a contagious disease which is present around the world, but spreads throughout the U.S. every winter, with peak seasons between October and May, said Dr. (Maj.) Jonathan Stering, chief of medical staff and pediatrician with the 47th Medical Group.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that in the U.S. on average there are more than 25 million cases of influenza annually, resulting in more than 200,000 people being put in the hospital and as many as 49,000 deaths.