FALLS CHURCH, Va. – As the leaves begin to change colors and temperatures drop, it’s time to think about your health. During the fall and winter months, the risk of respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus increases.
These diseases can cause serious illness and hospitalization, so it’s important to get vaccinated. Getting a flu shot is a simple step that makes a big difference.
“Vaccines are a powerful tool in our medical toolkit,” said U.S. Army Col. Thurman J. Sanders, a family medicine nurse practitioner and chief of staff to the assistant secretary for medical affairs at the Defense Health Agency. Ta. “They have a long and proven history of fighting disease and maintaining the health of individuals and communities.”
The flu is more than just a bad cold. You may become seriously unwell and may even be hospitalized. The flu can be more dangerous for some people, such as the elderly and pregnant people. The good news? A flu shot helps protect you and your family.
You should get a flu shot each year before the start of flu season. It is best to receive it by the end of October. However, there is no need to worry if you are late. Getting vaccinated any time during flu season can help prevent serious illness.
TRICARE covers vaccines according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. As stated in the TRICARE Pharmacy Handbook, TRICARE will cover your flu shot for free as long as you meet the following criteria:
If you live overseas, you can receive the vaccine at a military hospital or clinic or at a TRICARE-accredited civilian healthcare facility.
Before getting your flu shot, call ahead to find out if an appointment is required and if the vaccine is available.
According to CDC guidelines, people 6 months and older should get a flu shot every year.
Keep in mind that some groups are at higher risk for serious complications from influenza. they are:
Adults over 65 People who are pregnant People with certain health conditions
If you fall into one of these groups, it is especially important to get vaccinated.
You need to protect yourself from more than just the flu. The COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as the influenza vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines have been updated for this season to target the latest strains of the virus and provide better protection against current variants.
If you are eligible, you should also find out if you can be vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms.
For most people, RSV is not serious. However, it can be dangerous for babies and the elderly. RSV can cause serious symptoms in some people. In rare cases, it can be life-threatening for those at high risk.
TRICARE covers RSV vaccination for specific groups.
All infants under 8 months of age Some children 8 to 19 months of age who are at high risk of severe illness from RSV Adults over 60 years of age Pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of pregnancy
If you or a loved one falls into these groups, talk to your health care provider about getting vaccinated against RSV.
By giving these vaccinations in bulk, you can save time and protect yourself from these diseases.
Getting a flu shot is an easy way to prevent illness this winter. Vaccines make you less likely to get sick, go to the hospital, or die from the flu.
Please remember. When you take a shot, you’re not just defending yourself. You are also helping to keep your family, friends, and community safe.
For more information about the flu shot and other vaccines, visit TRICARE Immunizations or contact your health care provider.
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