The 6th Medical Group has received a limited number of COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines will be administered in a phased approach in accordance with DoD guidelines. Phase 1 includes medical personnel, security forces, fire department and other first responders. For a detailed listing of those members in each phase, please see the DoD’s Population Schema.
For those who are in the highest priority category, the 6th Medical Group is working with your units to get you scheduled. For people with risk factors for severe infection, please work with your Primary Care Team to get scheduled. Once we have immunized the high priority volunteers, we will open up appointments to other beneficiaries and publish a dedicated telephone number for COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Two shots are required, with at least 21 days in between. Flu shots or any other vaccines are not authorized within two weeks before or after the COVID-19 vaccine. If you have the choice to get the COVID-19 vaccine or the flu shot, you’re encouraged to take the very-limited COVID-19 vaccine. It is not possible to get COVID-19 from vaccines. Vaccines against COVID-19 use inactivated virus, parts of the virus, or a gene from the virus. None of these can cause COVID-19.
The manufacture has not reported any significant safety issues with their vaccine. However, some people have reported flu-like symptoms, including muscle soreness and headaches. Most reported side effects have been mild to moderate in severity. Safety information sheets are available for all vaccine recipients.
The following individuals are authorized to receive the COVID-19 vaccine based on DoD’s priorities:
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Active duty service members
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Reserve component members
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Beneficiaries using TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select or TRICARE For Life
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Certain DoD civilians and contract personnel
While getting the vaccination is voluntary, it will dramatically reduce the chance that you will contract COVID-19 infection. Being vaccinated may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Achievement of community (herd) immunity is dependent on a high percentage of vaccine receipt by the entire population.
Those offered the first-available vaccines are considered to be in groups that are most in need of COVID-19 protection. Vaccinated people will be protecting themselves, as well as their families and all people with whom they interact. Evaluation of the first-available vaccine will continue, even after its pre-licensure release. The release of other vaccines cannot be fully predicted, so people who are offered the first-available vaccine are encouraged to receive this vaccine.
If you have COVID-19 vaccine related questions:
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Call the COVID-19 Vaccine line at 813-827-1918
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Email the COVID-19 Vaccine Org box at usaf.macdill.6-mdg.mbx.immunizations1@mail.mil
If you have medical-related questions, please contact your Primary Care Team:
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Call the appointment line at 813-827-2273
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Send a secure message through the TOL Secure Patient Portal: https://www.tricareonline.com/tol2/prelogin/desktopIndex.xhtml