By Kimbrough Public Affairs/Fort Meade Public Affairs
Kimbrough Expecting Flu Vaccines Soon
Flu vaccines for beneficiaries will arrive on a rolling basis to MTFs beginning in September and extending into December. The bulk of the earliest arriving vaccine will be distributed to overseas locations, deployed Service Members, and other beneficiaries who otherwise have limited or no access to the flu vaccine.
“The current projection for the majority of our influenza vaccine will arrive after Nov. 15,” said Chuck Yang, Kimbrough Public Affairs Officer. “We will post updates to our flu vaccine drive on our Facebook page.
“If you would like to receive your vaccine before we receive them, influenza vaccinations are covered as a TRICARE benefit and you may find a link for civilian locations where flu vaccine may be received at https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredSer.../IsItCovered/FluVaccine , or call 1-877-363-1303.”
Despite these current vaccine delivery projections, all Active Component and selected Reserve Component Soldiers, as well as all healthcare personnel working in DoD MTFs, are required to receive the annual seasonal influenza vaccine or to obtain an exception.
Family members, beneficiaries, and civilian employees are encouraged to receive the influenza vaccine to maximize health protection. Based on the delivery schedule, our treatment facilities will have product to vaccinate our most vulnerable populations beginning in November, according to Yang.
Public health officials continue to emphasize actions to reduce the spread of disease by exercising healthy habits such as avoiding close contact with others and social distancing, staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands thoroughly and frequently, and cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
The flu vaccine is currently available in the community. TRICARE beneficiaries who desire vaccination before the flu vaccine is available at Kimbrough can use a TRICARE network participating pharmacy at no cost. Visit www.tricare.mil/flu to learn about TRICARE coverage and the flu vaccine.
“The key point is to get your flu vaccine,” said Chad Jones, Fort Meade garrison public affairs officer. “Achieving 100% compliance early upon availability of the vaccine is highly encouraged. A heightened vigilance is necessary to maintain readiness and protect the Total Force.”
The CDC believes it's likely that flu viruses and the virus that causes COVID-19 will both be active at the same time. The CDC website has more information concerning the flu season and staying safe and healthy at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/protect-your-health.html.