FORT RUCKER, Ala –
FORT RUCKER, Ala. — As autumn approaches, Lyster Army Health Clinic is preparing to protect service members, retirees, and military families with the kickoff of its annual influenza vaccination campaign.
Across the United States, influenza activity typically increases in October, peaks between December and March, and can linger through May. Because it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to fully develop, public health officials emphasize that receiving an immunization early in the season provides the strongest protection against circulating strains.
“Protect yourself, your family, and our mission! Vaccination is our first line of defense against seasonal influenza and its complications,” said Maj. Antoinette Dingle, Chief of Public Health at Lyster Army Health Clinic. “Getting your annual flu vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself, your family, and our community against the flu. Our clinical team has organized convenient walk-in opportunities and community outreach events to ensure every beneficiary can get protected quickly and safely.”
For beneficiaries who may feel hesitant or nervous about receiving an injection, clinic staff emphasize that the procedure is quick and routine.
“People often get nervous around needles, especially kids, but the anticipation is almost always worse than the shot itself. It’s really just a quick pinch and you’re done,” said Staff Sgt. Courtney Forbeck, medic at Lyster Army Health Clinic. “We do ask everyone to factor in about 15 minutes to wait in the observation area after their shot before heading out. That brief post-vaccination wait is standard safety protocol so our team can make sure you feel 100% fine before going about your day.”
Vaccination Schedule: Unit Vaccinations
- October 26 through November 6, assigned individual unit times, V117
Fall Carnival Trunk or Treat
- October 27 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., Center Library
- TRICARE Beneficiaries ages 6 months
Retiree Health Fair · October 30 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Yano Hall · TRICARE Beneficiaries ages 18 and up
Pediatrics Walk-In Clinic
- November 14 from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Immunization Clinic
- TRICARE Beneficiaries ages 6 months and up
- Walk-in, no appointment needed
TRICARE Enrolled Beneficiaries
- Starting November 16, TRICARE Beneficiaries ages 6 months and up including Active-Duty Service Members, Spouses, and Dependents with an assigned PCM at Lyster can Walk-in for Flu Vaccinations. Immunization Clinic – Primary Care Clinic.
In addition to annual vaccination, public health officials recommend practicing everyday hygiene habits to disrupt the transmission of seasonal viruses at work, at school, and at home: · Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. · Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable. · Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or an elbow, avoiding the bare hands. · Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. · Avoid close contact with individuals exhibiting respiratory symptoms. · Stay home from work, school, or social functions when feeling ill until fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
Vaccine shipments and operational hours may change based on supply and logistics. For the latest schedule updates, dosage announcements, and clinic advisories, visit https://lyster.tricare.mil for details.
Note: All vaccination drive dates and clinic walk-in hours remain subject to receipt and availability of vaccine doses.
