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ARMED FORCES NEWS |
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is urging all veterans, especially those enrolled in VA's health care system, to receive flu vaccinations. Walk-in clinics and drive-in clinics for the vaccinations -- which are free for veterans enrolled in VA's health care system -- are being held at many of VA's 153 hospitals and more than 900 outpatient clinics. Physicians recommend flu vaccinations for pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, those at least 50 years of age, patients in long-term care facilities, and individuals who live with those at high risk for complications from flu. A recent study by Dr. Kristin Nichol, chief of medicine at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, found dramatic reductions in deaths and sickness for patients who had received a flu shot. Vaccination reduced hospitalizations for pneumonia or influenza by 27 per cent, and cut back death rates by 48 per cent. |
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