Fort Rucker, AL - Lyster Army Health Clinic (LAHC) is administering the Moderna vaccine, a two-dose series separated by 28 days, to eligible Phase 1a-c population. Patients will be able to schedule their appointments online. Lyster has launched an easy-to-use online scheduling app to assist beneficiaries with appointments, available at https://lyster.tricare.mil/ .
LTC Danielle Rodondi, Lyster Commander explained distribution is based on “availability of the vaccine”. She noted there has been progress through the phases. The initial vaccinations went to emergency workers, healthcare providers, and critical workforce. As Lyster begins Phase 1c, the COVID-19 vaccination appointments will be prioritized amongst enrolled beneficiaries based on those 65 years and older, and those identified with a high-risk medical condition making them more vulnerable to COVID-19.
Rodondi stated high risk enrolled beneficiaries would be contacted through the audio call system and notified when they are eligible to schedule an appointment. Please do not try to schedule an appointment until you have been notified you are eligible.
“I encourage beneficiaries to have patience with the process as the clinic doesn’t have an abundance of the vaccine yet,” stated Rodondi. As Lyster receives more doses of the vaccine and progresses through the risk phases and prioritized groups outlined by the DOD, vaccination will ultimately be more readily available to beneficiaries. The Army is distributing the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is received and prioritizing recipients of the vaccine based on the CDC’s prioritization framework.
“We want to vaccinate all of our beneficiaries and we’re planning to do so,” Rodondi remarked. “But supply is limited at this time. We appreciate your patience and we’ll continue to provide the latest information that we have on our Facebook site.”
Here is the current list of categories LAHC is currently vaccinating in Phase 1a-c:
· Health care providers
· First responders
· Emergency services and public safety personnel
· Identified service members supporting the national COVID-19 response
· Identified units with personnel who perform critical national capabilities
· Identified units with personnel preparing to deploy to locations outside the U.S.
· Frontline Essential Workers (teachers, educational support staff, CYS staff, eligible defense manufacturing personnel, Commissary, and other installation food service workers).
· Enrolled beneficiaries aged 65 and older
· Enrolled beneficiaries aged 18 and older that have been identified with a high risk medical condition per the CDC
· Select units in accordance with command guidance and operational orders.
Vaccination Site
The COVID vaccination site is not at Lyster; it is located on main post at Building 620, located near the Daleville Gate. From 3rd avenue, Building 620 is off of Raider Street and Quartermaster Road. Directional marquees are placed to assist with directions. LAHC repurposed this site to offer beneficiaries better vaccine access while providing a safe social distancing environment.
What to expect at your appointment: Once the vaccine is administered, individuals will need to remain in the vaccination area for 15 to 30 minutes depending on health history for observation. During check out, they will be offered the opportunity to book an appointment for their second dose, which is administered at or around the 28-day mark. Bring your vaccination card to your second dose appointment.
If you prefer and can to do so, you can also get a vaccine in your off-post community per your local and state distribution schedule. For the State of Alabama to schedule an appointment visit the online portal at https://alcovidvaccine.gov/ . When available, you can get the COVID-19 vaccine from any civilian pharmacy at no charge, even non-network pharmacies but here are some things to keep in mind: Learn more https://tricare.mil/COVIDVaccine . If you do so, please let your primary care manager know the details of your vaccination.
To stay up to date on COVID vaccination, follow the Lyster Army Health Clinic Facebook page.
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