If your 2012 New Year's resolution included taking better care of yourself, one of the easiest steps you can take to achieve that goal is to protect yourself against the flu.

Everyone 6 months and older should be immunized annually, especially those at high risk, including young children, pregnant women, people with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and those 65 and older.

Getting a flu vaccine is easy and inexpensive for TRICARE beneficiaries. You may be able to get your flu vaccine for free from any military medical clinic or hospital, or you may choose to get it at one of 50,000 participating TRICARE retail network pharmacies. Find a participating pharmacy near you  here, or by calling the TRICARE pharmacy contractor Express Scripts at 1-877-363-1303.  You can also get vaccinated by your doctor or at one of the retail clinics found at many pharmacies, but keep in mind you may have to pay cost shares or copays associated with a medical visit.

An important part of maintaining readiness for active duty service members and members of the National Guard and Reserves is keeping immunizations up to date, including annual flu vaccines. Active duty members without access to military medical facilities may be able to get the vaccination at a network pharmacy.  Be sure to follow your Service's policy and always get documentation of the vaccination.

The 2011-12 flu vaccine protects against three strains of influenza - two type A and one type B. Two forms of the flu vaccine are approved for use in the United States - an injection and a nasal spray. Except for pregnant women, the nasal spray is licensed for healthy people from ages 2-49.

For more information and resources on the flu and TRICARE flu vaccine coverage click here.

Health and Human Services also offers a flu page, as does the Centers for Disease Control.