Public Affairs Office

Naval Hospital Pensacola will begin accepting appointments for the influenza vaccine October 1 through its Central Appointments Line at [850] 505-7171. Appointments begin Monday, October 4, in the Immunizations Clinic. 

The "flu" has the potential to significantly impact the Navy's readiness mission; and also affect military families. So, getting immunized is "the best way to prevent the spread of seasonal influenza," said. Cmdr. [Dr.] John P. Howard, head of Pediatrics and Allergy/Immunology departments at NH Pensacola. 

The 2010-11 flu vaccine protects against Influenza-A’s H3N2 virus, an Influenza B virus and the 2009 H1N1 virus that caused so much illness last season. 

"We are ready to immunize high risk individuals," said Cmdr. David Krulak, head of the Public Health Directorate at NH Pensacola. 

Those individuals include children age 6-to-59 months, pregnant women, adults 50 years old-plus, persons with asthma, diabetes or heart and lung disease; caregivers of infants less than 6 months old, and those who live with or care for high risk people. 

The FluMist vaccine for 2-to-49-year-olds without contraindication and Flu Inactivated vaccine, for ages 9 years and older, will be available beginning October 4. 

NH Pensacola now has the pediatric flu vaccine for children, age 6-to-35-months and 2-to-9 years old, that are not eligible for the nasal spray immunization, said Dr. Howard. 

Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as the 2010-11 season vaccine is available. 

Children younger than 6 months are at high risk of serious flu illness, but are too young to be vaccinated. People who care for them should be vaccinated instead. 

Vaccination also is important for health care workers, and other people who live with or care for high risk people to keep from spreading flu to high risk people. Vaccinations are also important for health care workers. NH Pensacola has been conducting “shot-ex” immunizations for appropriate staff over the past week.