Tricare Flu Shots Update

Two forms of the flu vaccine are distributed in the U.S., and both are covered by TRICARE. These are an injectable, inactivated vaccine that contains a killed virus and can be used in all age groups 6 months and older and an intranasal spray, made with live, weakened influenza viruses; limited to use in people who are between the ages of 2 and 49 years, and who are not pregnant at the time they receive the vaccination. Flu vaccines may be received at no cost from any TRICARE-authorized provider or at one of the TRICARE retail network pharmacies that participates in the vaccination program. To find a participating pharmacy, search online at http://www.express-scripts.com/TRICARE/pharmacy or call 1-877-363-1303. If you get the vaccine from your provider, you may have to pay copayments or cost shares for the office visit or other services received during the office visit.  Uniformed service members (Active duty, National Guard, and Reserves) are required to be immunized. Active duty service members (ADSM) have priority for getting the vaccine at military treatment facilities but may also receive the vaccine at a participating network pharmacy. When received at a network pharmacy, ADSMs are required to follow their Service policy guidance for recording the immunization in their shot record by the close of business the next duty day. Proper documentation should be obtained from the pharmacy which includes patient identification; the date the vaccine was given; the vaccine name or code, manufacturer, and lot number. Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine as soon as its available each fall. Some people are at a higher risk of serious flu-related complications and should get vaccinated each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following people should be vaccinated each year:
 All children aged six months to 18 years
 Adults aged 50 years and older
 Persons with underlying chronic medical conditions
 All women who are be pregnant during the influenza season
 Health care workers involved in direct patient care
 Child care and elderly care workers
 Persons at high risk of severe complications from influenza
Daily steps to take to Prevent the Spread of the Flu include:
 Wash your hands with soap and warm/hot water
 Use an alcohol-based sanitizer when hand-washing is not possible
 Cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze
 Avoid contact with your nose, eyes or mouth
 Avoid contact with people who are sick
 Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms
 Take anti-viral medications to treat your flu symptoms when prescribed by a doctor.
[Source: http://www.tricare.mil/mybenefit/jsp/Medical/IsItCovered.do?kw=Flu+Vaccine Sep 2011 ++]