WRNMMC, Bethesda, MD  –   Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s annual influenza (flu) campaign kicked off Oct. 12.
Staff at WRNMMC can receive the vaccine now through Oct. 22 at the vaccination site in Building 9 on the first floor near Gastroenterology and the Blood Donor Center. Beginning Oct. 25 through Dec. 10, all WRNMMC beneficiaries can receive the flu vaccine at the site, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary, but a Common Access Card (CAC) is required in order for staff members to receive the flu vaccine.
“All beneficiaries should have their military/retiree/dependent identification,” said Navy Capt. (Dr.) Rachel Lee, chief of Allergy, Immunology and Immunizations at WRNMMC. “Beneficiary children without ID’s should have their guardian’s with appropriate ID, the same ID required to get on base,” she added.
The COVID-19 vaccine and booster is also available to staff and beneficiaries at the site.
“After Dec. 10, the vaccination will be provided in the Immunization Clinic in Building 19, on the fourth floor. If a patient needs the vaccine sooner because of travel or other personal reasons, we recommend getting the vaccine at a civilian pharmacy, which is covered by most insurance policies, including TRICARE,” Lee said.
“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and WRNMMC’s infectious control chair recommend the flu vaccine is offered in late October or early November to ensure optimal immunity during the flu season, which usually starts in October and can last until May. The peak of the season occurs between December and February,” Lee stated.  
“The onset of flu season is somewhat unpredictable, however, in the past, the majority of peak flu activity in the United States occurred in January and February,” she added.
The CDC recommends routine annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and above who don’t have contraindications, Lee continued. She explained those who should talk to their health-care provider before getting a flu vaccine include people with a previous history of a severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction to the flu vaccine or any of the components of the vaccine. “However, there are different formulations that may have different ingredients, so getting a referral to see the allergist may be helpful in identifying whether a patient is truly allergic to the vaccine, or may tolerate a different type of flu vaccine,” she added.
“Although all people are at risk for getting the flu, young children, older adults, pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals are at most risk for more serious illness or death from the flu,” Lee said. “Also, even if an individual is not at high risk, they may infect others who are at high risk,” she furthered.
Lee added while there may be some mild side effects in getting the flu vaccine for some people, there are far greater benefits to being vaccinated than not. “All vaccines may have some side effects, which is balanced against the benefits of preventing illness and death. Common side effects include injection site pain and/or swelling, fatigue, body aches, fever and headache,” she explained.
Lee said although a person may have received a COVID-19 vaccine, the flu vaccine is still necessary to prevent the flu. “The COVID-19 vaccine protects people from getting sick from the COVID-19 virus, while the flu vaccine protects people from the flu virus. We anticipate both viruses will be circulating this winter, so everyone who doesn’t have a contraindication should get both vaccines,” she said.
She explained the lower cases of the flu during last year’s flu season when compared to other seasons,  can probably be attributed to precautions people took to avoid COVID-19. “The same precautions, such as washing your hands or using hand sanitizer, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, masks, et cetera, can help decrease your risk of getting the flu,” Lee said. People should also stay home when they’re sick to avoid infecting others.
“Illness caused by COVID-19 and flu may look similar. Getting the flu vaccine can reduce illness caused by flu, especially in persons who are not yet able to get the COVID-19 vaccine. We’re all in this together, so let’s do our part in protecting ourselves, our families and communities by getting vaccinated,” Lee said.
The WRNMMC flu hotline is available at 301-295-4511, option 3, for more information during normal business hours (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.).