Fort Detrick's Barquist Army Medical Clinic Staff (BAHC) kicked off the 2013-2014 Influenza Vaccine Immunization Program Oct. 7.

Active duty military may receive their vaccines Oct. 7 - Oct. 10 at various locations through Fort Detrick (see full schedule below)

TRICARE beneficiaries can get their vaccines Oct 18 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Odom Fitness Center.

DoD civilians may receive their flu vaccines at the Odom Fitness Center Oct. 15 - Oct. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe illness. In serious cases, the flu infection can result in hospitalization or death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated every year.

This season's flu vaccine will protect against the influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and one or two influenza B viruses, depending on the flu vaccine.

CDC offers additional steps people can take on their own to prevent the spread of germs which can lead to the flu:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay at home when sick
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
• Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food