49th MDG H1N1 flu vaccine update Published Nov. 23, 2009 By Maj. Donnell Nicks 49th Medical Group HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. -- As of Nov. 20, the 49th Medical Group has only received a partial shipment of the H1N1 flu vaccine, both injectable and intranasal forms of the vaccine. The 49th MDG will monitor local levels of the H1N1 vaccine and assist with the prioritization of distribution to beneficiaries. The Center for Disease Control Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine first. The military also has priorities based on Department of Defense requirements. Currently, the only beneficiaries who can receive on-hand H1N1 vaccine are as follows: active duty and non-active duty pregnant women; parents/caregivers of infants younger than six months of age; deployers; direct patient care providers; and asthmatics between 25 to 64 years old. These eligible beneficiaries will be contacted directly by 49th MDG personnel or via an automated telephone message. The pregnant population has already been contacted by 49th MDG personnel. The injectable vaccine doses are still available on a first-come, first-serve basis for pregnant women and are mandatory for active duty pregnant members. Anyone who can provide documentation of laboratory-confirmed H1N1 virus injection earlier this year will be considered immune and will not need to be vaccinated this year. The immunization clinic will ensure the documentation is appropriate. If you are unsure whether or not you are eligible to receive the H1N1 vaccine, please contact the Immunization Clinic at 575-572-1855. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 to 11:45 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m.