It’s time to get your flu shot. Lyster Army Health Clinic kicked off the 2021 Flu Campaign on October 21 to protect individuals from influenza, its complications, and to prevent the potential spreading of the disease. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is more important than ever.

Those at higher risk for complications from influenza include people with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems, children younger than five years old, and adults age 65 and older.

Each year, the flu vaccines are delivered in incremental shipments by age group, which dictates when vaccinations are rendered. The schedule is dependent of the vaccine arriving on time to distribute. Lyster’s goal is to ensure all Soldiers are vaccinated before the start of holiday block leave in December.

Lyster Flu Vaccine Schedule:

·        Ages 6 months to 5 years & Ages 65 plus: Available now by appointment only.

·        Unit vaccinations: November 2 to December 3

·        Ages 5 to 64 years: December 6-17, vaccinations during this phase will be by appointment only.

With the COVID-19 pandemic still prominent in the area, persons are encouraged to get their flu vaccination as soon as it becomes available for your age group. It takes the body about two weeks to build antibodies against the influenza virus after vaccination, which is why getting the flu shot early is ideal.

Area pharmacies off post may receive the flu vaccines before your local Military Treatment Facility. The flu vaccine is covered by TRICARE with no cost-shares or copayments if it’s administered by a pharmacist at a participating network pharmacy or by a TRICARE-authorized provider at a participating network onsite clinic. TRICARE beneficiaries can visit https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/FluVaccine to learn more about receiving the flu vaccine off post. If you choose to get your vaccine off post, be sure to update your medical records at Lyster.

To stay up to date on flu vaccine availability, check Lyster’s website, https://lyster.tricare.mil or their Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/LysterArmyHealthClinic/.

Beneficiaries may schedule medical appointments at Lyster Army Health Clinic by calling the Lyster Central Appointment Line at 800-261-7193 by logging onto www.tricareonline.com.