WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio — The 88th Medical Group is set to expand its offering of the COVID-19 vaccine after working through the initial phases of first responders and medical personnel at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Beginning Jan. 27, TRICARE beneficiaries ages 75 and older may receive an AudioCARE call to ask if they would like the vaccine. The call is automated, and respondents will be asked to press #1 if they want the vaccine or #2 if they do not.
The vaccine is currently being offered to those who are part of the Department of Defense’s established Phases 1A and 1B. Phase 1B now includes beneficiaries ages 75 and older.
Military members, DOD civilians and contractors who fall into Phase 1B, as determined by their leadership, should contact a unit representative for information on how to schedule an appointment to receive the vaccine, according to Col. Jason Musser, 88 MDG deputy commander.
“Beneficiaries age 75 and over will be receiving AudioCARE calls this week asking about their interest in receiving the vaccine,” Musser said. “If a person elects to be called back, COVID-19 vaccine scheduling personnel will reach out to schedule the appointment.”
TRICARE beneficiaries over 75, who are currently using Wright-Patterson Medical Center for care, should ensure their contact information is correct to receive the callback from scheduling personnel.
TRICARE beneficiaries not currently enrolled at WPMC must ensure their information is correct in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System so they can be reached. To update information in DEERS, visit www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/ or call 800-538-9522.
As the new vaccine shipment arrives, 88 MDG will shift the vaccine-administration location from Wright-Patterson Medical Center to the Wright-Patterson Club.
The Wright-Patterson Club is located at 4771 Lahm Circle on Area A of the base. Vaccine appointment hours will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Appointments are required to receive the vaccine, but they will not be available on weekends, holidays and down-days.
Base officials said the Wright-Patterson Club should not be contacted regarding COVID-19 vaccine appointments or questions.
In addition to the expansion and location change, there have been adjustments to the DOD schema as Phase 3 has been eliminated, Musser said.
Phase 1C now includes beneficiaries ages 65-74, high-risk beneficiaries ages 16-64 and other mission-essential personnel. The new DOD Phase 2 also includes the remaining population.
The time frame for Phase 1C or Phase 2 at Wright-Patterson AFB is dependent on its vaccine supply and how quickly 88 MDG can administer the shots, base officials said.