Seasonal flu shots available Published Oct. 14, 2009 By Col. Ron Rondeau 452 AMDS Commander MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, CALIF. -- The 452 AMDS (Clinic) has received the first batch of this year's seasonal flu vaccine. All military members are required to be vaccinated for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 'Swine' flu. The first batch of the H1N1 vaccine is expected later this month. Field testing of the H1N1 vaccine is now underway and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is to be administered. As in past years, the seasonal flu vaccine comes in two forms. The FluMist nasal spray is for persons under the age of 50 and the injectible vaccine is for persons over 50 and those with certain health conditions and/or allergies. The H1N1 vaccine will come as an injection only. This year, beginning with October "A" UTA, medical personnel will form mobile shot teams and will visit Commander's Calls and other unit formations during UTA weekends. Locations and times for the shot team visits will be worked out to provide easy access for personnel assigned to each of the groups and for the wing staff. A schedule will be distributed before each UTA. Wing members who need to complete physicals or predeployment clearances at the clinic will receive a flu vaccination there if they need it. All others should get the vaccination at a location where the mobile shot team is operating. During the work week, the clinic will be open for flu shots on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 0800 - 1000; and Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1300- 1500. DoD civilian employees will be able to receive the vaccine with the appropriate ID card. Air Reserve Technicians may voluntarily receive flu immunizations while in civilian status. More than 30,000 deaths are reported in the U.S. each year from seasonal flu. The estimates are much higher this year due to the threat of the H1N1 strain. To protect yourself, your family and your Wingman, you need to get your flu shot now!