 Hi, and welcome to SITREP, army news that affects you. Every year around this time, you hear the same thing, get your flu shots, they're mandatory and for good reason. The U.S. Army Public Health Center says that every year in the U.S., 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu. And about 36,000 people die as a result of flu-related causes. Getting vaccinated also protects people around you, including those who are more vulnerable to serious flu illness like babies and young children, older people and people with health conditions. Now, you might be wondering, why do I need a flu shot every year? Well, two reasons. First, the body's immune response from vaccination declines over time, so an annual vaccine is needed for optimal protection. And second, because flu viruses are constantly changing, for the best protection, everyone six months and older should get vaccinated every year. Can a flu shot give you the flu? No. A flu shot can't cause the flu. Flu vaccines are either made with a virus that's been inactivated or with no virus at all. The most common side effects from getting the flu shot are soreness or redness where the shot was given, or a low-grade fever, headache and muscle aches may also occur. So what about pregnant women? The flu shot helps protect women during and after pregnancy. Getting vaccinated also protects the developing baby during pregnancy and for several months after the baby's born. What about if you're allergic to eggs? Yes, you can get the shot. People with egg allergies can receive any licensed recommended age-appropriate influenza vaccine. People who have severe egg allergies should be vaccinated in a medical setting and be supervised by a health care provider who's able to recognize and manage severe allergic conditions. For all this information and then some, go to the website below and be sure to check with your installation's medical facility to find out more on where and when you can receive your flu shot. Got questions or topic ideas for Sitrep? Hit us up on Facebook and Twitter. Sergeant Martin, signing off. In the picture, number one.