 It's that time of year again. Kids are headed back to school, fall is almost here, and many deployments are either wrapping up or about to begin. Unfortunately, this is also the start of flu season. Influenza has the potential to adversely impact Navy force mission readiness. Navadmin198-15 details the effects of the flu virus, the impacts it may cause and lists vaccine priorities. Last year in the U.S. alone, there were more than 25 million reported cases. Over 150,000 people were hospitalized, and about 24,000 people died as a result of the flu virus. It's your responsibility to maintain your mission readiness. Check with your chain of command or medical treatment facility to find out when your vaccines will be available.