Martin Army Community Hospital release
In the coming weeks, flu shots will be available at Martin Army Community Hospital for eligible beneficiaries. For information on the schedule, check The Bayonet and Web page at www.army.mil/benning and the Martin Army Community Hospital Web page at www.martin.amedd.army.mil. In the interim, beneficiaries may use their Tricare benefits to obtain a flu vaccination.
Although there are always many strains of the flu that circulate, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is dividing them into two categories this year, and separate vaccines are being prepared for them.
Aca,!Ac Seasonal flu - This year's seasonal flu vaccine protects against three common strains and is currently available in many locations throughout the United States.
Aca,!Ac H1N1 - A vaccine against the H1N1 virus is being produced and should be available in late October for people at high risk of serious complications from infection with the new H1N1 virus.
The H1N1 vaccine is intended to be used in addition to the season flu vaccine and can be administered the same day.
If unable to obtain the vaccines at a medical treatment facility, Tricare will cover the seasonal flu shot, the seasonal nasal spray, and the H1N1 vaccine for qualifying beneficiaries when administered in a doctor's office or a network Minute Clinic.
Immunizations obtained at pharmacies (other than CVA Minute clinics - networked only in the Atlanta area) a grocery store or country health departments are not covered by Tricare.
No referral is needed for vaccinations or other clinical preventive services.
The nasal spray vaccine is not covered for ages 50 and older. For Tricare for Life beneficiaries, Medicare covers flu vaccines (Tricare pays as second payer if needed). This year, Standard and Extra beneficiaries may obtain the flu vaccines with no cost share applied.
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