RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The threat of another round of H1N1 has health officials and citizens alike keeping a watchful eye on the development and distribution of its vaccine.
Physicians at the 12th Medical Group said the H1N1 vaccine will begin arriving at Randolph Air Force Base some time in mid-November, but right now there are no firm dates.
"The dates for arrival have changed multiple times, so trying to schedule vaccinations right now is like trying to hit a moving target," said Maj. (Dr.) Susannah Simone, 12th MDG pediatrics flight commander and immunizations officer-in-charge.
When the first shipment H1N1 vaccine arrives at Randolph, it'll probably be from the state of Texas, Major Simone said. That's because the 12th MDG registered with the state to get enough H1N1 vaccine to innoculate enrolled family members and retirees. But, Major Simone said, that shipment won't come all at once. Instead, it will come from mid-November to mid-December in unknown quantities.
Major Simone explained, when the state's first allotment of H1N1 vaccine arrives at Randolph, priority will be given to those at greatest risk; pregnant women, people who live with or provide care for children less than 6 months of age, healthcare and Emergency Medical Services providers, those aged 6 months to 24 years old and finally, persons from the ages of 25 to 64 years old with chronic medical problems like heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorders, diabetes and neurological disorders.
All active-duty Airmen will be required to receive H1N1 vaccinations -- and mass immunizations will be scheduled to happen at base venues which can accommodate many people, like at the Taj Mahal's base theater and at Hangar 4, Major Simone added.
"The Department of Defense has scheduled shipping about one million vaccinations in early November and about 1.7 million vaccinations in late November to military medical treatment facilities," she added."Active-duty personnel are supposed to get vaccinations from this allotment."
For those who just can't wait to get vaccinated on base and choose to get vaccinated from civilian sources as the H1N1 vaccine becomes available, Major Simone said TRICARE waived the requirement for referrals or prescriptions - and will pay for the vaccinations.
"But, those choosing to get vaccinated at a civilian pharmacy will still have to pay an administrative fee, which is probably around $20," she said.
Major Simone added that guidance from the Air Force and the Centers for Disease Control has been to only vaccinate those patients assigned to the Randolph AFB Medical Clinic with the H1N1 vaccine because the distribution of the vaccine is being done through orders placed by primary care managers.
"We ordered enough vaccine for our enrolled population and if you see a civilian physician or are cared for at one of the other military clinics, they have ordered a vaccine through the state for you as well," she said.
Visit www.randolph.af.mil for Team Randolph's latest H1N1 information.