Q: If you are showing symptoms of the Coronavirus, what should you do? Call for an appointment? Go to the ER? I’m a senior citizen, and my PCM is at Wright-Patt. It’s impossible to get a same day appointment, or even talk to my PCM or their staff. So what are we supposed to do?
A: TRICARE Beneficiaries who are experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) should call the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Access to Care Line at 937-522-2778 for further guidance. Based on travel history, symptoms, potential contact with COVID-19/Coronavirus patients, patients may be directed to the COVID-19 Screening Team (CST) line, directed to the emergency department, self-care at home, or scheduled for an appointment. If you have severe symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, you should go to the nearest emergency room.
Q: Does the 88th Med Group have the capability to collect samples and test patients for COVID-19 to diagnose COVID-19?
A: Yes, the 88 MDG can administer COVID-19 testing to their beneficiaries but cannot administer tests based solely on a patients desire to be tested. The decision to test a patient can only be made by a medical authority and is based on a variety of factors. Once the decision has been made to administer the COVID-19/Coronavirus test, samples are taken to the Wright-Patterson Medical Center laboratory or other send-out laboratories for testing. Once a positive test result is confirmed, the diagnosis and recommendation for treatment is made by the Wright-Patterson Medical Center to the patient.
Q: If I am not feeling well, should I go to sick call?
A: Before you go to sick call, you should notify your supervisor and call the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Access to Care Line at 937-522-2778 for further guidance and to ask for instructions. Based on your symptoms, they will provide the guidance you need.
Q: I have been told to get tested or would like to be tested for COVID because someone I (live, work, spend time with) is positive. How can I get tested?
A: If you are identified as a close contact to someone with a laboratory confirmed case of COVID-19 then Wright-Patterson Medical Center will test you for COVID/Coronavirus and recommend a 14-day quarantine with the help of Public Health. You are considered a close contact if you were within 6 feet of an infected person for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period starting from 2 days before illness onset (or, for asymptomatic people, 2 days prior to their test specimen collection) until the time the person was isolated. If you are not meeting criteria to be a close contact then you do not require testing.
Note: The CDC continues to recommend a quarantine period of 14 days. On Dec. 2, 2020 the CDC updated recommendations for “Options to Reduce Quarantine” which come with increased risk of infecting others. The 10-day option without a test is not generally recommended by Wright Patterson Public Health, but if it is utilized, the risk of bringing someone back who is infectious (1-10%) will be assumed by that member’s leadership. The 7-day option with a test 48 hours before the time of planned quarantine discontinuation is also not recommended due to higher risk (5-12%) and resource limitations.
Q: I was tested for COVID, but now I want my children tested as well, can I bring them into the clinic for testing?
A: If your child has been exposed to someone who is COVID-19 positive, or has COVID-like symptoms, please call the Access to Care Line at 937-522-2778 and schedule an appointment in the pediatric clinic acute care clinic or speak with a staff member to request testing.
Q: Can I get a COVID test to make sure that I don’t have it before (visit someone elderly, new born baby, upcoming appt)
A: Wright-Patterson Medical Center does not currently provide testing to asymptomatic individuals unless they have written or digital documentation showing a need/requirement for testing. If you do not have a documented need for testing please review other centers which may be able to test you on the Ohio Department of Health website. https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/testing-ch-centers/
Q: Work/School is requiring a COVID test in order to return to work or play a sport, go to camp, etc – I tried to get a test through the CST line but was turned away because I don’t have any symptoms, what do I do?
A: If you provide the CST line staff with written or digital documentation showing a need/requirement for testing we will be able to review and accurately provide the required testing.
Q: I had a positive COVID test and now need another negative test in order to go back to work/school, the CST line would not do to the test because I didn’t have symptoms.
A: On July 20, 2020, the CDC updated their guidelines on discontinuation of isolation for persons with COVID-19. This updated guidance stated that the test-based strategy was no longer recommended in the majority of cases. Isolation from start of your symptoms ranging from 10 to 20 days is instead recommended based on severity of COVID-19 and whether or not you are immunocompromised. Your PCM will help determine how long to isolate after being diagnosed with COVID-19. We understand that policies are continuing to change, so if you provide the CST line staff with written or digital documentation showing a need/requirement for testing we will be able to review and accurately provide the required testing.
Q: I was tested at the CST line and I would like to know when I will get my results back.
A: Your PCM or another provider will notify you of your results. You may also review your results on-line at www.tricareonline.com. You will be notified of negative results in approximately 4-6 days. Positive COVID-19 results will be reported ASAP (testing is usually completed within 48 hours and almost always within 72 hours). If you were tested prior to a procedure, then your provider will review that result with you prior to your procedure to ensure that the procedure may go forward as planned. Patients should call their PCM clinic (Access to Care Line at 937-522-2778) and request results if they have not been notified of their test result within 4-6 days.
Q: Do we expect WPAFB to get the new rapid result test kits for COVID-19? If so, when would that happen?
A: WPAFB is limited in the number of rapid result test kits that we have available as are other MTFs. We prioritize rapid testing for people with severe disease in which they will be admitted to our hospital. Results for the test at the CST line generally take 24 hours to 72 hours based on the lab capacity.
Q: Is the base offering testing for senior citizens?
A: Yes, senior citizens may be tested at the base. Regardless of age, those who may be exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms will be tested. If you have specific concerns, please contact your primary care provider.
Q: What is the criteria for an employee to try to get tested for COVID-19 and where/when?
A: The decision to test a patient for COVID-19/Coronavirus will be made at the COVID-19 Screening Team (CST) line on Area A outside of Wright-Patterson Medical Center (hours of operation as of 21 Sept 2020 are 0700 to 1500). In general, those who may be exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms should be tested. Employees who are beneficiaries of the 88 MDG may be tested regardless of work area. Employees without benefits but who are Healthcare Personnel, Child Development Center staff, or First Responders may be tested at the WPMC CST line or may have testing arranged by their primary care provider at another location. Employees without benefits and not working in the noted work areas should have testing arranged by their primary care provider at another location. The Ohio Department of Health updates a list of testing sites (https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/testing-ch-centers/).
Q: I was diagnosed with COVID-19 and now I require a letter from my provider saying that I can go back to work. How can I get a return to work letter?
A: You may contact the Access to Care Line at 937-522-2778 or utilize TriCare OnLine Patient Portal Secure Messaging to request a return to work letter. Please do not report to the hospital in person to pick up this letter. If you need to initiate a Patient Portal account, visit www.tricareonline.com, click “login”, click “need an account”. Once an account is created, you can message your PCM team. The return to work letter will be sent to you through the secure message system.
Q: As this continues to spread and there is a greater likelihood of others getting this virus, I was wondering if one does contract this virus & recovers…can you get it again?
A: Although we can’t be 100% positive, you should be protected in the short term if you have been infected with COVID-19. How long that immunity persists is an unknown however. Immunity to a certain virus can wane (just as antibody protection from immunization). People can get influenza over and over again because there are different strains and immunity to one type of influenza doesn’t protect against others. It also mutates which is what results in a new flu season on a yearly basis. When the mutations are small, we generally have mild flu seasons but when the virus has significant change, it corresponds with a worsening flu season.
Q: Is there a location on WPAFB where military and civilians can get tested for COVID-19 antibodies?
A: Providers at WPMC can order COVID-19 antibody tests when it is clinically indicated. Otherwise, if you just want to know your antibody status, there are commercial labs in Dayton that provide the antibody test for a fee. Questions about antibody testing are often raised by patients because of their desire to donate convalescent plasma. At the WPMC blood donor center, we continue to take blood donations and as part of that process, all donated units of blood are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. All donors will be notified if their donated units of blood test positive for COVID-19 antibodies.
Q: Are you still taking blood donations?
A: We continue to take blood donations and as part of that process, all donated units of blood are tested for COVID-19 antibodies. All donors will be notified if their donated units of blood test positive for COVID-19 antibodies. To make an appointment, call 937-257-0580 or go online to militarydonor.com and use the Zip code 45433.
Q: When a vaccine, for COVID19 is found and approved for U.S., will the base offer this vaccine to retirees, possibly in the same manner as the flu shots are given each year?
A: Whether or not such a vaccine would be available to retirees would be dictated by yet established Defense Health Agency guidance/policy. Seasonal flu vaccine is typically available to all beneficiaries. Whether the same would apply for a theoretical vaccine cannot yet be determined.
Q: To avoid unnecessary travel into the medical center, will phone appointments/consults for routine medication refills be allowed? What about new prescriptions?
A: The Wright-Patterson Medical Center does conduct telephone appointments and consults. If patients need an appointment and would like to be considered for a telephone or virtual appointment/consult, they should request that when calling the Access to Care Line. In addition, routine prescription medication refills can also be requested by checking the number of refills on your prescription bottle and calling the refill line at 937-257-9016 to activate a refill. All refill prescriptions are filled at the Kittyhawk Pharmacy, which is now drive through only and is located across from the base shoppette/gas station. Activated refills can be picked up after 2 duty days. If a doctor sends a new prescription to the pharmacy through the electronic system, patients may call the pharmacy at 937-656-1656 to activate their new prescription over the phone. The Kittyhawk Pharmacy is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Q: Will pharmacy services be curtailed or closed?
A: It would be a very rare circumstance for pharmacy services to be halted for any reason (COVID-19 or otherwise). Although our operations have changed (and may change again in the future), WPMC remains committed to provide this critical service to our patients. Tricare home delivery (www.tricare.mil/homedelivery; Stateside phone number: 1-877-363-1303) is an option for delivery of up to a 90-day supply of prescriptions.
Q: If I have a handwritten prescription, does that mean I will have to wait in line at the pharmacy drive thru to drop it off then again when my prescription is ready for pick-up?
A: Yes, you will have to drop off the prescription first, and then return to pick it up later. The Kittyhawk pharmacy is located across from the base shoppette/gas station. Patients will be routed out of line so they do not have to progress through the complete drive-thru process when they are dropping prescriptions off. This should reduce the amount of time that you are waiting in line.
Q: If I’m having mild symptoms and I suspect it might have COVID-19, what medications should I take, or avoid taking? I’ve heard that taking something like Ibuprofen can be dangerous.
A: If you think you are showing symptoms or might have the virus, the best thing you can do is call your health care provider and follow the guidance that they provide you for your individual situation.
Q: Is there anything else that people can do to help fight COVID-19 like eat certain foods to help boost the immune system?
A: At this time there are no particular food known to specifically fight the virus, but it is important to have a healthy, balanced diet, exercise regularly and eliminate stress – these are all helpful to the human body.
Q: What does asymptomatic mean in reference to COVID-19?
A: Asymptomatic simply means that an individual is showing no symptoms. However, it is possible that someone could have the virus without showing any symptoms and spread the virus. This is one of the reasons that social distancing and wearing a mask is so important. We should all be doing these actions as recommended.
Q: What symptoms should we be looking for in children? Are they different from adults?
A: The symptoms are generally similar between children and adults. Children may exhibit symptoms that resemble a minor cold, runny nose, or diarrhea.
Q: What is the guidance on what to do if an employee or employee family member exhibits the symptoms described in the pamphlets that have been distributed during business hours/after business hours (i.e. fever, cough or difficulty breathing). Does the procedure vary for military or civilian/dependent children/infants?
A: TRICARE Beneficiaries who are experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) should call the Wright-Patterson Medical Center appointment line at 937-522-2778 for further guidance. Based on their symptoms, medical comorbidities, and potential contact with COVID-19 patients, they may be directed for self-care at home, scheduled for an appointment, or directed to the emergency department. Active Duty members also have the option to utilize the MDG Sick Call Clinic from 0700-0800, Monday thru Friday in the BLUE Clinic. During after duty hours, TRICARE beneficiaries can call the 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-TRICARE (874-2273), option 1 for guidance related to their care. Regardless of time of day, medical emergencies should visit the nearest emergency room.
Q: How does COVID-19 affect pregnant Airmen from being able to do their job?
A: COVID-19 has not affected pregnant members any differently than non-pregnant members from doing their job. While working and around others, we should be taking precautionary and preventative measures such as social distancing, wearing masks, good handwashing, teleworking if feasible, and any other precautionary measures per the CDC website.
Q: Is there any guidance on pregnant women continuing patient care?
A. The CDC states that pregnant women are at an increased risk of being admitted to the hospital if they get COVID-19. However, pregnant women in the healthcare profession can continue to participate in patient care. All healthcare workers should continue to take all precautionary measures such as social distancing, wearing a mask, practicing good handwashing, and continue to follow the guidance on the CDC website. Expectant mothers are encouraged to discuss all concerns with their obstetrics provider. The phone number for the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Perinatal Center is 937-257-1938.
Q: There has been a case in the UK of a new mother and her newborn baby both testing positive after the delivery, so what is being done at WPAFB to ensure expectant mothers and newborns remain safe and healthy?
A: According to the CDC, much is still unknown about the risks of COVID-19 to newborns born of mothers with COVID-19, but we do know that it is uncommon for babies to become infected prior to birth. Of babies who have tested positive shortly after birth, it is unknown whether they got infected with the virus before birth, during birth, or after birth from close contact with an infected person. Newborns that have tested positive have had mild or no symptoms and have recovered. We are well prepared to take care of deliveries and implement all precautions necessary to ensure a safe delivery for mothers and their babies. We also have standard protocols for high risk pregnancies and will ensure that mothers and newborns receive the level of care required.
Q: Will cancer patients with parking be allowed to enter through the back entrance for cancer treatment?
A: Only select (very sick/poor mobility) patients are allowed to park by the back entrance. These patients are instructed on a case-by-case basis to call the Cancer Care Center (937-257-4159) when they get to entrance and our medics are sent to meet them, screen them, and assist them to the clinic. The majority of our patients at the Cancer Care Center; however, continue to come through main patient entrances upstairs.
Q: Has there been any updates about food guidance? The last update was a couple of weeks ago and simply said to wear gloves when serving food?
A: At this point there is no indication that COVID-19 can be transmitted via food. We do recommend frequent hand washing, sanitization of utensils and work areas and wearing gloves when serving/preparing food.
Q: Is precaution being taken for people that are returning to work that just returned from travel to high-risk areas in CONUS or OCONUS?
A: Out of an abundance of caution, TRICARE beneficiaries who return from states with testing rates of 15% or higher for COVID-19 are advised to self-quarantine for 14 days (https://coronavirus.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/covid-19/families-and-individuals/COVID-19-Travel-Advisory/). For OCONUS travel, those who have returned from travel to one of the CDC Level III areas (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html) and ARE NOT experiencing symptoms, are also asked to remain at home and self-quarantine for 14 days. In addition to keeping their chain of command informed, they should call the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Access to Care Line at 937-522-2778 for public health tracking purposes. For those TRICARE beneficiaries who have returned from travel to states with testing rates (15% or higher) or one of the CDC Level III areas and ARE experiencing symptoms (eg. fever, cough, shortness of breath), are asked to remain at home and call the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Access to Care Line at 937-522-2778 for further guidance.
Q: Should any employee isolate at home if he or she exhibits COVID-19 symptoms or is diagnosed with COVID-19 (and for how long)?
A: TRICARE Beneficiaries who are experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) should call the Wright-Patterson Medical Center Access to Care Line at 937-522-2778 for further guidance. Based on travel history, symptoms, potential contact with COVID-19 patients, you may be directed to the COVID-19 Screening Team (CST) line, directed to the emergency department, self-care at home, or scheduled for an appointment.
Q: I have COPD-(Chronic Bronchitis). Should I be concerned about daily routine in the work place? I frequently wash hands using the 20 second method, follow recommended mask policies, and keep a safe distance from co-workers.
A: Precautions should always be taken if a person’s immune system is compromised. You are already practicing good habits in line with CDC recommendations.
Q: Is there a possibility that the WPAFB medical center would only focus care only on active-duty and send dependents to local economy medical facilities?
A: There are no plans at this time for Wright-Patterson Medical Center to only focus on medical care for active-duty members. We remain committed to caring for all of our beneficiaries.
Q: How does COVID-19 vaccine interact with heart & other medications?
A: Each individual person’s prescription list should be addressed through a conversation with their primary care manager.
Q: Can TRICARE for life beneficiaries receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: All TRCIARE beneficiaries are eligible to receive the vaccine as administered by the Wright-Patterson Medical Center.
Q: How will the Wright-Patterson Medical Center communicate to beneficiaries it their turn for the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: The Medical center will communicate each vaccine phase to beneficiaries through phone calls, social media, print media and other means to ensure that everyone who wishes to receive the vaccine has an opportunity.
Q: Can a beneficiary receive the vaccine anywhere at no cost?
A: If the COVID-19 vaccine dose was purchased with U.S. taxpayer dollars it will be given to the American public at no cost. However, vaccination providers will be able to charge an administration fee for giving the shot to someone.
Q: If someone take vitamins and herbs can it affect the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: For medication concerns, even over the counter, it is best to address those questions with your primary care manager.
Q: Can the Wright-Patterson Medical Center guarantee the availability of the second COVID-19 vaccine dose?
A: The Wright-Patterson Medical Center will provide the second COVID-19 vaccine dose, the vaccine supply the Medical Center receiver’s is in line with the number of first COVID-19 vaccine doses administered.
Q: Does COVID-19 vaccine protect against all strains?
A: To learn more about variants of the disease please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/science-and-research/scientific-brief-emerging-variants.html
Q: If someone is A-symptomatic and they don’t know you have COVID-19, is it safe to get vaccine?
A: According to the CDC, “Due to the severe health risks associated with COVID-19 and the fact that reinfection with COVID-19 is possible, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19 infection.”
Q: How will vaccines that aren't used for that day's schedule be distributed, is there a way to be put on a standby list?
A: The Wright-Patterson Medical Center does not have a stand-by list. The Immunizations team at the Medical Center works diligently to make sure that the correct amount of vaccine matches the projected doses administered each day.
Q: Is there any evidence that antibodies created from the vaccine can be transferred to a fetus through the placenta in a pregnant patient or through breast milk to a baby in breastfeeding patients?
A: According to the CDC, “People who are pregnant and part of a group recommended to receive the COVID-19 vaccine may choose to be vaccinated. If you have questions about getting vaccinated, talking with a healthcare provider may might help you make an informed decision. While breastfeeding is an important consideration, it is rarely a safety concern with vaccines. No data are available yet on the safety of COVID-19 vaccines in lactating women or on the effects of mRNA vaccines on breastfed infants or on milk production/excretion. mRNA vaccines are not thought to be a risk to breastfeeding infants. People who are breastfeeding and are part of a group recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, such as healthcare personnel, may choose to be vaccinated.”
Q: When phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccine distribution scheme opens, will calls be made to beneficiaries or will they be able to show up since everyone is eligible?
A: It is yet to be determined how phase 2 of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution and administration plan will occur. It is possible that I may become a walk-up service once we enter Phase 2, but that is not known yet. Please keep in mind that no matter the issuing plan proper ID will still be required.
Q: Even though the phase 2 COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan is unknown still, is there an estimate of a timeline when beneficiaries can expect it to open, spring, summer, fall, etc?
A: Unfortunately, the Wright-Patterson Medical Center cannot provide a timeline as it is dependent on the supply from the DOD.
Q: Is the COVID-19 vaccine available to all active duty dependents?
A: Active Duty dependents who are TRICARE beneficiaries are eligible to receive the vaccine as administered by the Wright-Patterson Medical Center once their phase of vaccination is reached. The Pfizer vaccine is recommend for children 16 years or older, the Moderna vaccine is recommended for persons 18 years or older. This is based on who was included in the clinical trials.
Q: During the Jan. 27 town hall it was said the only COVID-19 vaccine on base is Pfizer. Will it stay that way or does the base anticipate getting the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine as well?
A: At this time the Wright-Patterson Medical Center only expects to receive Pfizer from the DOD; however, when vaccine supplies is more plentiful that could change.
Q: Is it safe for two senior-aged people (63 and 87 years old) who are both vaccinated but living apart in separate households, to get together and visit each other?
A: Even after vaccination, safety practices such as physical distancing and mask wearing are still recommended. According to the CDC, “Experts do not yet know what percentage of people would need to get vaccinated to achieve herd immunity to COVID-19. Herd immunity means that enough people in a community are protected from getting a disease because they’ve already had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated. Herd immunity makes it hard for the disease to spread from person to person, and it even protects those who cannot be vaccinated, like newborns. The percentage of people who need to have protection in order to achieve herd immunity varies by disease. CDC and other experts are studying herd immunity and will provide more information as it is available.”
Q: Has there been any discussion in the medical community about when children can expect to get their COVID-19 vaccination?
A: Currently, there are clinical trials being conducted with children, but that is all the information the Medical Center can provide at this time.
Q: What happens if someone is unable to get their second COVID-19 vaccine dose according to the guidelines? Is there a max window of opportunity to get the second COVID-19 vaccine dose?
A: Recipients of the initial COVID-19 vaccine dose should try their best to receive the second COVID-19 vaccine dose as close as they can to recommended date, after their recommended time has passed (21 days for Pfizer, 28 days for Moderna), as this was how the clinical trials were conducted. It is important to note that there has not been a maximum time window identified so it is recommended that someone get their second dose whenever they have the opportunity.
Q: There was an article on Medical News Today about the new Eli LIlly monoclonal antibody combo treatment. Can the Medical Center give more information about this antibody infusion, and the availability?
A: The Wright-Patterson Medical Center does not have any information on this question at this time.
Q: How does someone know if they’re a COVID-19 carrier or not? Is there a certain age that are carriers?
A: Unfortunately, someone does not know they are a carrier until they start showing symptoms or receive a positive COVID-19 test result. The COVID-19 infection has been documented in all ages, from infants to adults over 100 years of age.
Q: Can household members get the COVID-19 vaccine on base if they are a civilian?
A: At this time the Wright-Patterson Medical Center is only servicing military members, retirees, DOD contractors who work on WPAFB, and base DOD employees. The insurance carrier does not matter in this case. There are services at the county level if you do not fit into those categories, please visit Ohio.gov for vaccine locations.
Q: If someone had a liver transplant and takes an immunosuppressant drug, how does this impact the efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: Medication questions are best addressed through a conversation with their primary care manager.
Q: If a person in the same household get the COVID-19 vaccine, will that person infect someone else in the household that hasn’t received the COVIS-19 vaccine?
A: The COVID-19 vaccine does not cause a COVID-19 infection.
Q: When does the Wright-Patterson Medical Center expect people under 65 with comorbidities such as type II diabetes to be offered the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: DOD Phases 1A and 1B are currently being vaccinated. If someone has those specifics they you are likely included in Phase 1C. The Medical Center cannot provide a timeline as to when 1C will begin as it is dependent on the COVID-19 vaccine supply from the DOD.
Q: Once someone receives their first COVID-19 vaccine dose, when it comes time for the second COVID-19 vaccine dose, will the COVID-19 vaccine be available? It is being reported on news outlets that there are national logistical problems and there will not be enough doses available.
A: Yes, the Wright-Patterson Medical Center will provide the second COVID-19 vaccine dose, the COVID-19 vaccine supply the Medical Center receives is in line with the number of first doses administered.
Q: What is the base’s COVID-19 vaccination schedule for high risk beneficiaries such as pregnant or nursing women?
A: DOD Phases 1A and 1B are currently being vaccinated. This information indicates they would be included in Phase 1C. The Medical Center cannot provide a timeline as to when 1C will begin as it is dependent on the supply COVID-19 vaccine from the DOD.
Q: Can someone continue with immunosuppressant medication while receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, will there be any interaction?
A: Medication questions are best addressed through a conversation with their primary care manager who prescribed the medication.
Q: How soon can the 70+ age group sign up for an appointment to get the COVID-19 vaccine if they are dependents?
A: Ages 75 and over are currently being called by the Wright-Patterson Medical Center and appointments are being scheduled. Someone can also call 937-257-SHOT for scheduling.
Q: If someone is a brittle 60 year old Type 1 diabetic civilian, not a dependent of military, will there be a separate high risk group?
A: The vaccine is being offered to DOD civilian employees who work at Wright-Patterson AFB. If someone works on base, they would be included in Phase 1C. Currently the Medial Center cannot give an exact time frame when they will start Phase 1C COVID-19 vaccines.
Q: How will civilians be notified of ability to get the vaccine?
A: Each Wright-Patterson AFB unit has a point of contact assigned for scheduling and notifying military civilian and contract employees on base.
Q: If someone is traveling to Central America at the end of February, is there any concerns they should have about going without a COVID-19 vaccination?
A: According to the CDC, “All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. All COVID-19 vaccines that are in development are being carefully evaluated in clinical trials and will be authorized or approved only if they make it substantially less likely you’ll get COVID-19. Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19.”
Q: If a 68 year old has Parkinson’s, do they still fall in the Phase 1C group?
A: Yes, according to the current DOD Schema.
Q: Will Wright-Patterson AFB be offering a drive-through COVID-19 vaccination location so elderly (and others) don't have to stand in cold weather & within closed spaces with a mass crowd (thus creating potential exposure)?
A: The Wright-Patterson Medical Center’s current COVID-19 vaccine location is the Wright-Patterson Club, which has a large amount of space for patients. The Medical Center is scheduling patients in time blocks with the weather in mind. A Drive-thru vaccination line is not an option the Medical Center we are considering at this time due to the minimum 15 minute wait that is recommended after receiving the vaccine.
Q: What are recommendations for people taking methotrexate and humira, do these drugs need paused before getting the vaccine or paused afterwards?
A: Mediation questions are best addressed through a conversation with their primary care manager who prescribed the medications.
Q: Will the COVID-19 vaccine be as beneficial for immunocompromised patients as those who are not?
A: Information from the CDC: “People with underlying medical conditions can receive the FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines provided they have not had an immediate or severe allergic reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine. Vaccination is an important consideration for adults of any age with certain underlying medical conditions because they are at increased risk for severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19.”
Q: If someone is doing a permanent change of station to an overseas assignment this summer, do they need the vaccine before they transfer?
Q: Does the Medical Center know if the efficacy of the current COVID-19 vaccine is applicable to the new COVID-19 strains first found in UK, South Africa, and Brazil?
A: The Medical center does not have enough information to answer this at this time.
Q: If someone has A-Fib and lung issues what category would they fit in to?
A: If someone is 75 years of age or older, Phase 1B is currently being vaccinated. If someone is younger they may fall into the high-risk category which is Phase 1C. Information from the CDC regarding medical conditions can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
Q: How do retirees 65 years of age or older who do not get medical care on base get notified or sign up to receive the COVID-19 vaccine at the Wright-Patterson Medical Center?
A: The Medical Center is using contact information available in the DEERS system to reach out to all beneficiaries, regardless of where their primary care is being given.
Q: Does efficacy rate drop with age?
A: There is no current evidence to suggest it drops with age.
Q: When can someone get their COVID-19 vaccine?
A: When their specific phase begins.
Q: How will high risk beneficiaries be contacted when Phase 1C begins?
A: The Wright-Patterson Medical Center is communicating the COVID-19 vaccination schedule through phone calls, social media, print media and other means to ensure that everyone who wishes to receive the COVID-19 vaccine has an opportunity.
Q: Does taking Paracetamol/NSAIDs as a prophylaxis blunt immune response to the vaccine?
A: Medication and health questions are best addressed through a conversation with your primary care manager.
Q: What defines "high risk" category?
A: Information from the CDC regarding medical conditions can be found here at: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html
Q: Is there anyone that is recommended to not receive the COVID-19 vaccine?
A: According to the CDC, “If you have had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient in an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, you should not get either of the currently available mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. If you had a severe allergic reaction after getting the first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine, CDC recommends that you should not get the second dose.”
Q: Is it true that the COVID-19 vaccine can possibly impact a woman’s fertility due to a proteins in the vaccine?
A: According to the CDC, “Based on current knowledge, experts believe that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to pose a risk to a person trying to become pregnant in the short or long term. Scientists study every vaccine carefully for side effects immediately and for years afterward. The COVID-19 vaccines are being studied carefully now and will continue to be studied for many years, similar to other vaccines.”
The COVID-19 vaccine, like other vaccines, works by training our bodies to develop antibodies to fight against the virus that causes COVID-19, to prevent future illness. There is currently no evidence that antibodies formed from COVID-19 vaccination cause any problems with pregnancy, including the development of the placenta. In addition, there is no evidence suggesting that fertility problems are a side effect of ANY vaccine. People who are trying to become pregnant now or who plan to try in the future may receive the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available to them.”
Q: Is it true that the COVID-19 vaccine makes the virus harder to detect and will the COVID-19 vaccine help against the new variants.
A: Please visit to learn more about variants of the disease: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/science-and-research/scientific-brief-emerging-variants.html
Q: What about the South American variant, does the COVID-19 vaccine protect against it?
Q: If some had Bell ’s palsy previous, are they more vulnerable to get it again?
A: According to the CDC, “Cases of Bell’s palsy were reported in participants in the mRNA COVID-19 vaccine clinical trials. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider these to be above the rate expected in the general population. They have not concluded these cases were caused by vaccination. Therefore, persons who have previously had Bell ’s palsy may receive an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine.”
Q: When it is stated that medical personnel are able to be vaccinated is that only DOD personnel?
A: Yes, only healthcare workers who are employed at Wright-Patterson AFB can receive the COVID-19 vaccine on base.
Q: What is the timeline for when someone can get their COVID-19 vaccine and what phase is Wright-Patterson AFB currently vaccinating?
A: Wright-Patterson AFB is currently vaccinating Phases 1A and 1B. It is unknown at this time when the base will move into the next phase as it is dependent on the supply from the DOD.
Q: How will retirees and other beneficiaries get notified of their turn to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Is there a place to register at?
A: The Medical Center is using contact information available in the DEERS system to reach out to all beneficiaries.