October 23, 2014 -- Naval Branch Health Clinic Albany is now providing annual influenza (flu) vaccine to service members, retirees and their families.
Active duty, retirees and family members can walk-in for flu vaccines to NBHC Albany’s Immunizations Clinic Mondays – Fridays from 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The vaccine is recommended by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for everyone, 6 months and older, and is the first and most important step in protecting against the flu.
It’s also a requirement for active-duty military personnel, selected reservists and health care workers.
“For patients here in Albany, getting the flu vaccine each year is the best way of protecting against the flu virus,” Lt. Cmdr. Raymond Bristol, NBHC Albany officer-in-charge, said.
Flu is a virus that infects the nose, throat and lungs. It’s highly contagious and can lead to more severe infections like pneumonia — especially in the elderly and immunocompromised.
NBHC Albany offers two kinds of flu vaccine. Flu mist — an intranasal vaccine that is squirted into the nose — is for healthy patients, ages 2-49.
The injectable vaccine (flu shot) is for people, 50 and older, pregnant women (protecting mom during pregnancy and baby for up to 6 months after birth), and anyone with a chronic medical condition such as asthma, diabetes or emphysema.
To find out more, call 229-639-7815 or visit www.cdc.gov.