Last modified Wed., September 30, 2009 - 04:21 PM
Originally created Thursday, October 1, 2009

Flu vaccination schedule announced

From Naval Hospital Jax Public Affairs

Capt. Joseph McQuade is spearheading this year's flu shot evolution at Naval Hospital Jax. The hospital and Branch Health Clinic staff are standing ready to begin immunizations as soon as vaccine becomes available. Photo by HM1 Jermaine Derrick

"Seasonal flu vaccinations are expected to be ready for family members and other authorized beneficiaries the week of Oct. 5 or shortly thereafter," said NH Jax Public Health Director Capt. Joseph McQuade, MD.

When seasonal flu vaccine arrives, it will be available to eligible beneficiaries during the following schedule: Monday and Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday: Noon to 8 p.m. Friday: No immunizations. Saturday and Sunday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Vaccines for the H1N1 (also called swine flu) are slated to arrive at a later date and the schedule for administering the vaccines will be announced as soon as possible.

"We may experience temporary shortages of the seasonal and/or H1N1 flu vaccines, so I advise people to call the hospital before departing for the immunization clinic to ensure adequate vaccines are on hand," said McQuade.

Once hospital officials announce arrival of the vaccines and the immunization clinic opening, beneficiaries should report to the temporary clinical building located near the hospital's emergency room entrance to receive vaccination. You should enter the facility through the temporary clinic's outside doors and not through the hospital's main building.

HN Evelyn Cole administers the seasonal influenza vaccine to HN Justin Waters at NH Jax. Most of the patient contact staff have been vaccinated and the hospital is gearing up to start with shot exercises for beneficiaries. Photo by HM3 Jermaine Derrick

Reserved parking near the temporary clinic will be marked for people to use while they visit the immunization or flu screening and treatment clinics.

Pneumococcal vaccines (protection from pneumonia) will also be administered to high risk beneficiaries during the immunization clinics if medically appropriate. Hospital staff will help beneficiaries who need additional screening, tests or appointments when they visit the immunizations clinic.

"Influenza vaccines are safe and people should get vaccinated every year unless told otherwise by their physician or authorized medical provider," said McQuade. "I encourage pregnant women to get vaccinated for both seasonal and H1N1 influenza as soon as possible because they can be at high risk for complications from influenza, especially the H1N1 virus."

If beneficiaries are unable to obtain the vaccines at a military treatment facility, TRICARE will cover the seasonal flu shot, the seasonal nasal spray, and the H1N1 vaccine for qualifying beneficiaries when administered in a doctor's office or a network "MinuteClinic." Minute Clinics are an additional source set up by TRICARE for preventive services. Current referral rules and regulations may apply.

For information on off-base locations and referral rules, go to www.humana-military.com, visit your nearest TRICARE Service Center or call 1-800-444-5445. Immunizations obtained at pharmacies (other than CVS MinuteClinics), grocery stores, county health departments, etc. will not be covered by TRICARE.

"Watch the base marquee and other signs, stories in Jax Air News and information on our Website. You may also call the Central Appointment Line at (904) 542-4677 to learn about vaccination locations, times and procedures," said McQuade.

Beneficiaries may obtain information about the availability of the vaccine and immunization clinic schedules at http://navalhospitaljax.med.navy.mil/.