Flu vaccines available on Peterson Published Oct. 16, 2007 By Lt. Col. Michelle Adams 21st Medical Operations Squadron PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- The end of summer signals the start of snowy weather, winter holidays and - worst of all - flu season. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and, at times, lead to death. Every year in the United States, on average, 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications; and about 36,000 people die from the flu. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. There are two types of vaccines: the flu shot, an inactivated vaccine - containing killed virus - that is given with a needle, and the nasal-spray flu vaccine, a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses that do not cause the flu. The FluMist nasal vaccine is currently available and mandatory for all active duty members who do not fall into a high-risk group. Anyone who falls into a high-risk group - people who have weakened immune systems, are pregnant, have long-term health problems, or are more than 49 years old - will receive the flu shot. Doctors recommend people get vaccinated in October or November, but vaccines are administered through December and later. The earlier a flu vaccine is administered, the better. Flu season can begin as early as October and last as late as May, and the vaccine usually takes about two weeks to begin working. The vaccine is available through the immunizations clinic, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., on a walk-in basis. The clinic is closed every fourth Thursday in the morning and re-opens from 1 to 3:30 p.m. The 21st Medical Group has also tentatively established a flu line at the base auditorium from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oct. 30 and 31. Lines are subject to change based on vaccine availability. People who are high risk and enrolled to the 21st MDG will be notified of upcoming availability of the vaccine. As the group's entire shipment of vaccine arrives, its goal is to make it available to all high risk individuals and others as supplies allow. Call the Flu-Line at 556-3588 for flu lines vaccine availability. For questions or concerns about the vaccines, call 556-CARE to leave a message for a primary care provider. Other than getting vaccinated, people can stay healthy by washing their hands regularly. People may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose. Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. (Information gathered from the Centers for Disease Control. For additional information go to www.cdc.gov/flu.)