Coast Guard Academy prepares for flu season

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy medical staff gives the U.S. Coast Guard Academy command staff and cadets flu shots Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Honings.

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy medical staff gives command staff and cadets flu shots Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Honings.

The Center for Disease Control recommends people get their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as the vaccine becomes available in their community. Vaccination before December is best since this timing ensures protective antibodies are in place before flu activity is typically at its highest. CDC continues to encourage people to get vaccinated throughout the flu season, which can begin as early as October and last as late as May. During the course of the flu season, many different influenza viruses circulate at different times and in different places. As long as flu viruses spread in the community, vaccination can provide a protective benefit.

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Command Master Chief Lloyd Pierce prepares for a flu shot given by Senior Chief Petty Officer Curtis Dubert Monday, Sept. 12, 2011, at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Honings.

U.S. Coast Guard Academy Superintendent Rear Adm. Sandra Stosz, assistant superintendent Capt. James Rendon, Command Master Chief Lloyd Pierce, Second Class Cadet Rebecca O'Connor and Commandant of Cadets Capt. John O'Connor pose for a photograph after receiving flu shots at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., Monday, Sept. 12, 2011. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Honings.

(From left to right) U.S. Coast Guard Academy Superintendent Rear Adm. Sandra Stosz, assistant superintendent Capt. James Rendon, Command Master Chief Lloyd Pierce, Second Class Cadet Rebecca O'Connor and Commandant of Cadets Capt. John O'Connor pose for a photograph after receiving flu shots at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, Conn., Monday, Sept. 12, 2011. U.S. Coast Guard photograph by Petty Officer 3rd Class Diana Honings.

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