Flu season is here once again. Are you prepared? With the COVID-19 Delta variant continuing to spread and our health care system overburdened, it’s important for all of us to help combat the spread of flu. And the best way to do so is to get a flu shot.

TRICARE Halloween 2021

If you are pregnant, recently pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant in the future, you should get the COVID-19 vaccination, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advised in a recent health advisory.

TRICARE Open Season is almost here. So, get ready. Starting Nov. 8, you have a chance to make changes to your TRICARE health plan for the upcoming plan year. If you have questions about open season, join the TRICARE webinar, “Making the Most of the TRICARE Open Season,” on Nov. 4 at 1 p.m. ET to learn about your coverage options for 2022.

Call for the most current information on where you can get your FLU SHOT!  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, like flu, this fall and winter is important!  Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all persons aged 6 months and older who do not have a medical condition that prevents them from getting a vaccination. 

Beginning Nov. 1, the PX Pharmacy will be closed for renovations and scheduled to reopen spring 2022. Modifications to the facility will ensure the pharmacy team can continue filling prescriptions safely for the coming years. Oct. 19 is the last day to call in refills for PX Pharmacy. Oct. 29 is the last day to pick up at the PX Pharmacy. All refills not picked up by Oct. 29 will be sent to the main hospital pharmacy for pick up. To pick up refill prescriptions at your convenience, use the ScriptCenter kiosk located across the hospital chapel available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Activate refills by calling (785) 239-7427 and selecting “ScriptCenter kiosk” as pickup. Take your prescription number and military ID card the first time picking up.

Beneficiaries are eligible to receive a booster dose of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine who completed the two-dose Pfizer COVID-19 series at least six months ago and meet the following criteria:   People 65 years and older and residents in long term care facilities should receive a booster dose People 50-64 years with underlying medical conditions should receive a booster dose People 18-49 years with underlying medical conditions may receive a booster dose People 18-64 years who are increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional settings may receive a booster dose   Individuals who received two doses of Moderna, a single dose of Janssen, or a mixed vaccine series are not recommended to receive a booster at this time.   Administration of a booster to indicated populations is provided at Long Fitness Center, 8069 Normandy Dr, Fort Riley, Tuesday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. through Nov. 4.   ADDITIONAL DOSE TO IMMUNOCOMPROMISED:   IACH is also offering an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised beneficiaries after 28 days of their second dose based on the following criteria:   •         Receiving active cancer treatment for solid tumors or cancers of the blood •         Taking medicine to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant •         Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency •         Advanced or untreated HIV infection •         Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response   If you have additional questions or feel you meet the criteria but your condition is not listed, contact your provider team.   Administration of an additional dose for immunocompromised is by appointment at IACH. Visit the Patient Portal on MHS GENESIS at https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil or call (785) 239-DOCS or 239-3627.

On Wednesday the FDA authorized a booster dose of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for certain populations. IACH will administer booster doses to patients and staff when further guidance has been provided by the Department of Defense. If you feel you are a candidate for an additional booster dose contact your provider team. As a reminder, IACH is currently offering an additional dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for immunocompromised beneficiaries based on the following criteria: a. Receiving active cancer treatment for solid tumors or cancers of the blood b. Taking medicine to suppress the immune system after an organ transplant c. Moderate or severe primary immunodeficiency d. Advanced or untreated HIV infection e. Active treatment with high-dose corticosteroids or other drugs that may suppress your immune response If you have additional questions or feel you meet the criteria but your condition is not listed, contact your provider team. BOOSTER VS ADDITIONAL DOSE: People who are moderately to severely immunocompromised may not build enough protection when they first get a vaccination. When this happens, an additional dose of the vaccine can sometimes help them build more protection against the disease. In contrast, a booster dose refers to another dose given to someone who built enough protection after vaccination but then that protection decreases over time. TO RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL DOSE: Beneficiaries can schedule an appointment by visiting the Patient Portal on MHS GENESIS at https://patientportal.mhsgenesis.health.mil or calling (785) 239-DOCS or 239-3627. Additional doses are ONLY administered at Irwin Army Community Hospital