Protect yourself and your family this flu season

flushot_natalie3With flu season just around the corner, we encourage all of our employees and their family members to take preventative measures to protect their health, including getting an influenza vaccination at one of the many sites that offer one. And, we’re making it easier on you.

American Airlines Medical is once again offering all employees, retirees and their age 18 or older spouses or domestic partners free flu vaccinations. Starting Sept. 15, simply stop by a Medical office location or the nearest Medical flu shot clinic roadshow for your free vaccination, which is available on a first come, first served basis while supplies last.

 

Avoid the line as well as the pains and aches of being ill. Stop by your nearest Medical office location to get protected.While there are many different flu viruses, this seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the top four flu viruses researchers believe will cause the most illnesses during this flu season.

 

Want to double or triple your protection? Bring your co-worker and your spouse or domestic partner to get vaccinated too! Contact your nearest Medical office for details and to learn about other available services.

 

Your station not listed? We may have an onsite visit scheduled for your workplace. See the schedule of Flu Clinic Road Shows (PDF) or check the Jetnet Events Calendar for other flu vaccination clinics in your area.

 

Flu shot clinics

Station Clinic days Clinic hours (local times)
AFW (Alliance Airport) – Fort Worth
2000 Eagle Parkway		 Monday, Thursday 9 – 11 a.m. | 1 – 4 p.m.
DFW – Terminal A
Gate 39 Ramp Level, Rm A106		 Monday – Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
HDQ2 – Fort Worth
4255 Amon Carter Blvd
1st Floor lobby entry		 Monday – Friday 8 a.m.- noon
JFK – Terminal 8
Rm 15-250		 Monday – Friday 8 a.m.- noon | 1 – 3:30 p.m.
LAX – Terminal 4400 World Way Monday – Friday 9 a.m.- noon | 1 -3 p.m.
LGA Hangar 3Rm 117 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8-11:30 a.m. | 1 -3:30 p.m.
MIA – Building 3095
4450 NW 22nd Street		 Monday – Friday 8 – 11 a.m.  | 1 -3 p.m.
ORD – GEM Building
Mt. Prospect & Touhy Road, 1st Floor		 Monday – Friday 10 a.m.- noon | 1 -3 p.m.
ORD – Terminal 3
Gate K-19 Rm 100		 Monday – Friday By appointment only | 8 -11 a.m.
PHX – CHQ (Headquarters)
111 W. Rio Salado Pkwy
Banner Clinic (SW corner – 1st Floor)		 Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
TULE – Turbine Building
3900 North Mingo Road		 Monday – Friday 6 – 10 a.m. | 1 – 3:30 p.m.

 

 

You and the vaccine
This year’s vaccine is quadrivalent, which means it offers protection against four strains: influenza A (H1N1) influenza A (H3N2) and two strains of the influenza B viruses. The vaccine is safe, but please consider the following:

 

  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step in protection against this serious disease.
  • If you’re currently ill, wait until you’re healthy again to get your flu vaccination.
  • If you are severely allergic to eggs, the current quadrivalent vaccine is not for you. Don’t take this shot.
  • If you are over 65 years old, ask your healthcare provider about an alternative influenza vaccine that may give you better protection.

 

As you may already know, you should get your vaccination annually. The influenza vaccine changes each year because there are frequently different strains of influenza circulating each season. Even if you catch the flu after being vaccinated, the partial protection you received will lessen symptoms and reduce the time that you’re ill.

 

Can’t get to a Medical location?
Flu vaccinations are covered by your health benefits at network providers. As part of your annual preventive care plan, make sure you and your family members receive vaccinations, as appropriate. If you’re unable to visit a Medical clinic or roadshow, you still have options:

  • Annual physical exam coming up? Your doctor can provide the vaccination as part of your preventative care.
  • Live near a neighborhood pharmacy? A local pharmacy may offer vaccinations covered at 100 percent using your healthcare benefits. Check with your health plan administrator for details.

 

Flu Facts:

  • CDC surveys estimates that people who become ill with the flu will miss up to 10 days of work, even if there are no complications.
  • The average cost of getting influenza if you have insurance is about $1,000, which includes doctor bills, medications and missed work time.
  • The CDC believes that up to 49,000 deaths each year can be attributed to influenza-related illnesses.
  • One CDC study concluded that influenza vaccination prevented an estimated 13.6 million flu cases, 5.8 million medical visits and nearly 113,000 flu-related hospitalizations in the United States over a 6-year period (2005-2011).
  • Antibiotics do not work against viral illnesses such as the flu or the common cold. The best way to protect yourself, your family and your coworkers is to get a flu vaccination.
  • It’s a myth. Getting an influenza vaccination can’t give you the flu.

More Resources
For more information about the 2014-2015 influenza season, visit www.cdc.gov/flu.

 

Resources (PDFs):