Employees can get flu vaccine at work

  • Published
  • By Mike Molina
  • Editor
DENVER --  Officials at the Air Reserve Personnel Center are helping employees avoid the flu this season by offering vaccinations to Airmen and civilian employees. 

Civilian employees will receive vaccinations beginning Oct. 14 at the Buckley Annex Health and Wellness Center. 

ARPC Airmen received flu vaccinations Oct. 8 and will get another chance sometime later this month. 

"(Vaccination) is another great way to prevent from getting sick this flu season," said Yvonne Johnson, acting nurse coordinator and a contractor for Federal Occupational Health at the Air Reserve Personnel Center and Defense Finance and Accounting Service, Denver. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 36,000 Americans die each year from the flu. More people die from influenza than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. An additional 200,000 people are hospitalized each year from the disease. 

Ms. Johnson said there will be plenty of flu vaccine available, but civilian employees should make an appointment to avoid standing in line or missing out altogether. 

"If you schedule an appointment, we can make sure we have enough for everyone to get vaccinated," she said. 

Flu shots are one of many benefits offered by the Health and Wellness Center at ARPC and DFAS. They also offer cholesterol screenings, sponsor health-related classes and blood drives, provide healthy eating tips and other information. 

"We are here to promote healthy living for all the employees," Ms. Johnson said. 

To make a flu vaccine appointment call Ext. 6-7268 or visit Post 2F8. For more information about the flu and how to prevent it, visit the CDC Web site at www.cdc.gov/flu/.