Children have returned to school and as they settle in to new classes and new routines, parents brace themselves for new school year sniffles. Most flu activity occurs from October to May in the United States, and many refer to this time as flu season.
Because children spend most of their time in classrooms, cold and flu germs are more easily spread. Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk.
The flu can be serious, even for healthy, young people. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend flu vaccines for all children 6 months and older. Flu vaccines not only protect the children who are vaccinated but also those who they come in contact with, especially those with weaker immune systems like very young children or the elderly.
TRICARE covers two forms of the flu vaccine, the flu shot and Flu Mist. The flu shot is recommended for all age groups 6 months to 64 years of age. There is a high dose version for those older than 65. Flu Mist is recommended for those between the ages of 2 and 49 years old but not recommended for pregnant women.
Get the flu vaccine for free by visiting your local military hospital or clinic. Call ahead to find out a good time to go because active duty service members have priority and you want to make sure they have some flu vaccines available.
You can also visit a participating TRICARE network pharmacy or any TRICARE-authorized provider. Be sure a pharmacist gives you the vaccine so that it is covered by the pharmacy benefit for free. Please note, if you see your doctor, you may have a copayment or cost share for the office visit. Active-duty service members must comply with their Service’s policy for getting flu shots.
Get more information about the flu vaccine and preventing the flu on the TRICARE Flu Resources web page
