Flu vaccinations are now available and are mandatory for all active duty and selected reserve Coast Guard members. They are also required for Child Development Center personnel, civilian, contract and auxiliary healthcare workers who provide direct patient care, as well as for recreation personnel in youth programs. Your flu vaccination must be recorded by December 15, 2021.
“People may recall from last year that there was a very light flu season, however, this year there is no guarantee that will be the case,” said Capt. John Iskander, chief of Preventive Medicine and Population Health. “It’s important to protect yourself from all respiratory illnesses so that includes getting the COVID vaccine, if you haven’t already, getting the flu vaccine, and also continuing to wash your hands and take precautions that should, by now, be second nature for us.”
Flu vaccinations are available at Coast Guard clinics for active duty members and for Auxiliary healthcare personnel assigned to Coast Guard clinics.
Contract personnel will obtain the flu vaccine according to the terms of their contracts. Civilian employees should be vaccinated through their private health care providers or those enrolled in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program can be immunized through their health plan at no out-of-pocket cost. And, for non-appropriated funds personnel, the Coast Guard Community Services Command is offering Walgreens flu shot vouchers.
Dr. Iskander proactively addressed a frequently asked question about the vaccine stating, “One thing that’s important to know is that people can get the flu vaccine and the COVID vaccine at the same time.”
For more information regarding your flu vaccination, refer to ALCOAST 308/21 or contact Capt. John Iskander or call 202-475-5208.