This year’s flu season: What you need to know

  • Published
  • By Doug Pierson
  • Hill AFB Public Health
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah --  Each year, scientists use laboratory samples and global surveillance to identify what types and strains of influenza virus are likely to circulate the following influenza season. Last year, surveillance data showed that 52 percent of the predominant A strain (H3N2) virus, collected and analyzed in the United States had drifted.

What does this mean?

Historically, when the predominant circulating influenza virus drifts, a decrease in vaccine effectiveness is observed and more illness, hospitalizations and deaths can occur.

What about this season's influenza vaccine?

According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Director Tom Frieden, this season's influenza vaccine will more closely match the H3N2 strain. H3N2 strains have been associated with even worse illness and even higher mortality. Not surprisingly, last year's flu season, the rate of flu-related hospitalizations among people age 65 years or older was the highest recorded in the 10 years since the CDC began tracking this measure. The H3N2 strains also hit children hard. The CDC reported 145 lab-confirmed pediatric influenza deaths last season.

The CDC director urges Americans to get vaccinated this year.

"Even in a year when the flu virus isn't well-matched, it remains the single best thing you can do to protect you, your family, and your community against influenza", Frieden said.

The 75th Medical Group Immunization Clinic now has the influenza vaccination available for all active-duty military members. Active-duty units interested in an influenza line at their location can have their unit deployment manager or first sergeant contact Public Health at 801-586-9780.

Tricare beneficiaries can get vaccinated at one of the many network pharmacies listed on the "Find a Pharmacy" feature on the Tricare website at http://www.express-scripts.com/Tricare/pharmacy/findpharmacy.shtml.

The Davis County Health department has also partnered with 27 health insurance plans, including Tricare, in order to provide health-insurance-covered preventive service.

Below is a list of times and locations that the health department will be offering "no co-pay" vaccination opportunities on base.

Oct. 1, 8 a.m. to noon, Building 1295, Small Poe Conf. Rm.

Oct. 6, 7-11 a.m., Building 225, Joe Bailey Conf. Rm.

Oct. 7, 10 a.m. to noon, Building 847, Large Conf. Rm.

Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Base Exchange

Oct. 9, noon to 5 p.m., Commissary

Oct. 13, 8 a.m. to noon, Building 1295, Small Poe Conf. Rm.

Oct. 14, 7-11 a.m., Building 1515

Oct 15, 10 a.m. to noon, Building 849, B-41 Conf. Rm.

Oct.15, 1-3 p.m., Building 205, Conf. Rm.

Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Base Exchange

Oct. 19, 2:30-5:30 p.m., Child Development Center, West Lobby

Oct. 20, 8-11 a.m., Building 1209, Conf. Rm.

Oct. 21, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Warrior Fitness Center

Oct. 22, noon-3 p.m., Building 843, EMXG Conf. Rm.

Oct. 22, 3:30-5:30 p.m., Hess Fitness Center

Oct. 27, 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Building 674, Break Room

Oct. 28, 8-11 a.m., Building 180, Rm. 116

Oct. 29, 7-11 a.m., Building 507, Roessler Conf. Rm.

Nov. 18, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Warrior Fitness Center (Fall Expo)

Those wishing to take advantage of this service must bring their health insurance card or military identification for insurance billing purposes.

For more information, call the Hill AFB Public Health Office at 801-586-9768.