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                         November 2, 2001

KACH releases projected flu shot schedule

Submitted by Mary-Patrice Ruocco
KACH Public Affairs Officer

The Keller Army Community Hospital’s annual influenza program begins this month.

"The goal of the program is to vaccinate all active-duty personnel and selected TRICARE beneficiaries as soon as the vaccine becomes available," KACH officials said.

There has been a delay in vaccine delivery this year so a prioritization schedule for beneficiaries has been developed, officials said.

"The primary task is to maintain military readiness and to protect our most vulnerable populations," she explained. "Health-care workers, those with direct patient contact, will be immunized this month."

The first segment of the population to be targeted is medically high-risk persons.

"High-risk beneficiaries are being contacted now by KACH staff and we will vaccinate them during the Immunization Clinic hours of operation," officials explained.

The TRICARE Plus population will also be vaccinated during Immunization Clinic hours of operation, but TRICARE Standard beneficiaries (less than 65 years of age) must present a written prescription from their primary care manager for immunization.

Vaccination of the Corps of Cadets and USCC staff is scheduled for Nov. 13-16. USMA tenant units, activities and TRICARE Prime members (under age 65) are tentatively scheduled for immunization starting the second week of December. Department of Defense civilians will be offered the vaccine after Dec. 15, depending upon receipt of additional vaccine.

Hours and schedules of all immunizations may vary according to availability of vaccine. KACH will be contacting active-duty units to schedule immunizations.

Keller will continue to vaccinate patients through February, even after influenza activity has been noted in the community. Vaccinations still provide considerable protection during the influenza season that lasts until April.

DoD civilians may wish to consider obtaining their vaccination from outside providers based on community availability of vaccine.

Influenza vaccine information is available at the Immunization Clinic at Keller Hospital and printed in the Fall 2001 Primary Care Newsletter.