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H1N1

The novel H1N1 influenza virus, continues to be milder than typical flu. Although also called "pandemic influenza", this term comes from its worldwide nature; in June of 2009, the World Health Organization declared the H1N1 virus to be a worldwide pandemic. Pandemic status is not necessarily related to the severity of a disease to an individual or a population. In the case of the current H1N1 situation, a pandemic means the disease that has become very widely spread and that many people worldwide have been diagnosed or ill with H1N1. One reason H1N1 has been so widespread is that it is a new strain of the influenza virus, so the world's population in general does not yet have sufficient immunity to fight off an infection.

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H1N1 Vaccine Supply and Prioritization

The Department of Defense and Department of Health and Human Services have purchased sufficient vaccine to cover the projected demand of military and dependents who want to be protected against the novel H1N1 vaccine.

As H1N1 vaccine becomes available, the Air Force will offer H1N1 vaccinations to Airmen and other beneficiaries. Certain higher-risk populations will be targeted for priority H1N1 immunizations according to CDC recommendations. These key populations include:

Pregnant women
People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
People 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk for novel H1N1 because of chronic health disorders or compromised immune system

Access to Vaccination

Beneficiaries who routinely receive their care, or are eligible for care, at CONUS and OCONUS AF military treatment facilities (MTFs) will be able to receive the H1N1 vaccine at those facilities or from their local TRICARE network provider.

Dependents of Guard and Reserve who are not eligible to receive their care at the local MTF will receive their vaccination from their local civilian medical provider or local civilian Public Health Department.

AF Civilians and Contractors will be able to obtain the H1N1 vaccine through their primary care providers or local health departments. Local health departments can be located at http://www.naccho.org/about/lhd/.

Vaccine for Uniformed Members

The distribution of H1N1 vaccine will be similar to that for seasonal influenza. The first disbursement of 1 million doses will be released by mid-October with the following vaccination priority list:

Group #1: Deployed forces, ships afloat, high risk healthcare providers, training sites (basic military training, academies, undergraduate pilot training)

Group #2: Mission Essential/Mission Critical personnel

Group #3: All other military personnel

Vaccine for Dependents & Retirees

At overseas bases excluding Alaska and Hawaii, the Department of Health and Human Services purchased vaccine for DoD beneficiaries which will be sent through DoD channels once available, similar to that for seasonal influenza.

For CONUS bases including Alaska and Hawaii, each MTF has contacted their respective State to request vaccine for their beneficiary population. The states will send all vaccine requests to the CDC who will then order from the contractor (McKesson). The contractor will then forward the vaccine directly to the MTF. MTFs will remain in contact with the States to ensure full delivery of their vaccine.

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