The best way for your patients to avoid the flu is to get vaccinated. TRICARE covers flu shots when given in a doctor’s office or a limited services clinic. If your practice does not offer a flu vaccination, encourage your TRICARE South Region patients to check with their local military treatment facility (MTF) or to visit a MinuteClinic®. Located in select neighborhood CVS pharmacies, MinuteClinics are run by nurse practitioners who treat minor illnesses and provide some preventive services, including immunizations. MinuteClinics have several advantages, including:

• No primary care manager referral is required.
• No appointment is necessary.
• Flu shot visits only take about five minutes.
• All locations are staffed by board-certified practitioners.
• Evening and weekend hours are available at most locations.

Note: Active duty service members and reserve personnel must receive vaccinations at an MTF. This will ensure their immunization records are complete and their compliance with Department of Defense immunization policy is documented.
 
For more information about the flu and vaccination guidelines, visit the Centers for Disease Control. If your patients are interested in getting vaccinated at a MinuteClinic®, have them visit the Humana Military Provider Locator. They can also call Humana Military at 1-800-444-5445.