Preventing the spread of the flu is as easy as 1, 2, 3...
1. Get Vaccinated.
Everyone six months and older should get a flu vaccine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following people should be vaccinated each year:
- All children aged six months to 18 years
- Adults aged 50 years and older
- Persons with underlying chronic medical conditions
- All women who are be pregnant during the influenza season
- Health care workers involved in direct patient care
- Child care and elderly care workers
- Persons at high risk of severe complications from influenza
2. Take Steps Daily to Prevent the Spread of the Flu.
- Wash your hands with soap and warm/hot water
- Use an alcohol-based sanitizer when hand-washing is not possible
- Cover your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid contact with your nose, eyes or mouth
- Avoid contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if you have flu-like symptoms
3. Take Anti-viral Drugs When Recommended.
Your doctor may prescribe anti-viral drugs to treat your flu symptoms. Search the TRICARE Formulary to learn more about anti-viral drugs.
The Madigan 2020 Drive-Thru Flu Event
When: 1-5 Dec (Tues-Sat)
Times: 9:00 a.m. - 1400 p.m.
Who can participate: All Madigan patients age 8 and older.
Where: Arrival Departure Airfield Control Group (A/DACG) Bldg 1327, Troop Holding Area (THA) Bldg 1330
(Located Across the road from the McChord USO)
For updates, follow Madigan on Facebook: Facebook.com/MadiganHealth
Tacoma Pierce County Health Dept. Free Drive-Thru Flu Vaccine
The Tacoma Pierce County Health Department is hosting a series of free drive-thru flu vaccination events. Everyone 6 months or older can get vaccinated without leaving the car. Flu vaccine is free for children 18 and younger and uninsured adults.
Madigan Department of Pediatrics Flu Vaccine Information Update:
The Madigan Pediatric Clinic has Influenza vaccines available for patients ages 6 months to 35 months, whom are enrolled to Madigan Pediatric Clinic. Parents should call the Pediatric Clinic directly at (253) 968-3066, option #4, to schedule an influenza immunization appointment. If your child aged 6 months to 35 months has a routine well appointment scheduled, your child can receive the influenza vaccine at this appointment and a separate influenza immunization appointment is not necessary. Influenza vaccination appointments begin on Friday, 25 September 2020.
When we receive the influenza vaccine for ages 3 and up, we will be sure to update you via the Madigan Facebook page.
If you would like to use your covered Tricare benefit and receive the influenza vaccine from a retail pharmacy, see https://tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/FluVaccine
Want to know more? Click here to learn about the similarities and differences between Flu and COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm
Getting a flu vaccine this season is an important part of staying healthy! Flu vaccinations have been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness, hospitalization and death. Getting a flu vaccine can also save healthcare resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.
If your child is not enrolled to Madigan Pediatric Clinic, the outlying Madigan Patient Centered Medical Homes are also receiving the 6 month to 35 months pediatric vaccine. Contact your clinic for specific instructions.
TRICARE covers the flu vaccine, You can get the flu vaccine at no cost in three ways:
1. Military Hospital or Clinic
2. Participating Network Pharmacy
To find a participating network pharmacy:
Call the pharmacy first to ask:
- What days and times can you get the vaccine?
- Are there any restrictions, including for children?
- If your state has a restriction, you should go to your primary care physician or a military hospitals or clinic for the vaccine.
Note: The flu vaccine is covered by TRICARE with no cost-shares or copayments if it’s administered by a pharmacist at a participating network pharmacy or by a TRICARE-authorized provider. An authorized provider is any individual, institution/organization, or supplier that is licensed by a state, accredited by national organization, or meets other standards of the medical community, and is certified to provide benefits under TRICARE. There are two types of TRICARE-authorized providers: Network and Non-Network. DS at a participating network onsite clinic. You can still go to your doctor for the vaccine if the pharmacy has restrictions or it isn’t available. But, you may have to pay copayments or cost-shares for the office visit.
3. TRICARE-Authorized Provider
- Find a Doctor
- Follow your plan’s rules for getting care
- You’ll need to pay your copayment. A fixed dollar amount you may pay for a covered health care service or drug. or cost-share. A percentage of the total cost of a covered health care service that you pay. for the office visit
- Active duty service members must have a referral to get the vaccine from any provider other than their primary care manager.
Are you an active duty or Guard/Reserve member?
You’re required to get the flu vaccine.
- You have priority to get the vaccine at military hospitals and military clinics.
- You can also get vaccines at participating retail network pharmacies.
If you go to a participating network pharmacy, you won't have any cost-shares or copayments if the flu vaccine is administered by a pharmacist. You can also go to a TRICARE-authorized provider at a participating network onsite clinic.
If you go to a network doctor other than your primary care manager (PCM), you must get a referral from your PCM. In addition, you may have to pay copayments or cost-shares for the office visit.
When you get a flu vaccine from a participating network pharmacy, follow your Service policy guidance for recording the vaccine in your shot record. You'll need the following information:
- The date the vaccine was given
- The vaccine name or code
- Manufacturer
- Lot number
Did you know?
TRICARE coverage for vaccines is based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Visit the CDC website to learn more.
Disclaimer:
This list of covered services is not all inclusive. TRICARE covers services that are medically necessary be medically necessary means it is appropriate, reasonable, and adequate for your condition. and considered proven. There are special rules or limits on certain services, and some services are excluded.