Written by Maria Yager
Blanchfield Army Community Hospital Public Affairs
Fort Campbell, KY – Fort Campbell’s Town Center Pharmacy has added an adult immunization service where TRICARE beneficiaries may receive vaccinations free, saving the government money officials announced April 9th, 2018.
“Previously the only option for beneficiaries not enrolled [with a primary care manager] at the hospital was to use off-post immunization services, like a retail pharmacy, so, we’re excited to make these vaccinations readily available on the installation for our adult beneficiaries seen off post and at BACH,” said Lt. Col. Ronald Foley, chief of pharmacy at Blanchfield Army Community Hospital.
The hospital operates the Town Center Pharmacy on post, where TRICARE beneficiaries can get their prescription medication without the co-pay charged by retail pharmacies.
Offering vaccines at the Town Center gives beneficiaries an opportunity to receive a preventive vaccine at the same time they are picking up prescriptions and can help save the Department of Defense money.
“Hopefully we’ll reduce our costs. About $60,000 a year is being spent just on adult immunizations in our local network. So by coming here, we hope it will be more convenient for our beneficiaries and reduce costs to our tax payer dollars. The Town Center can provide the service at lower cost to the DOD if beneficiaries choose our pharmacy. Those dollars saved can be used to provide other benefits,” said Foley.
Beneficiaries seen at Blanchfield may receive vaccinations during routine appointments with their PCM, however Foley said the Town Center is the way to go if a vaccination is the only thing a beneficiary needs.
“If all you need is a vaccine, rather than make an appointment with your PCM, call us at the Town
Center and we’ll take care of you,” said Foley.
Currently, the Town Center Pharmacy is offering seasonal flu, shingles and pneumonia vaccines with plans to add other vaccines in the future.
Beneficiaries may call the Town Center’s Medication Therapy Management office at 270.412.9926 to schedule a vaccination appointment. These vaccinations may also be available on a walk-in basis Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:00am to 11:00am & 1:30am to 3:30pm.
“We recommend beneficiaries call to schedule vaccine appointments to ensure services, as appointments will take precedence over walk-ins during clinic hours,” said Foley.
While the vaccines are available without a prescription, beneficiaries must meet certain criteria for each vaccine.
A new and improved vaccine that Foley said is 97 percent effective in preventing shingles is offered in two doses two months apart for beneficiaries age 50 and over.
Pneumococcal vaccine used to reduce the chance of pneumonia is available for beneficiaries age 65 and older.
Beneficiaries are required to complete a brief risk-factor screening form prior to receiving vaccinations. Pregnant women and beneficiaries with certain medical conditions and beneficiaries under age 18 will receive vaccines from their primary care provider.
All vaccinations will be documented in the beneficiary’s electronic medical record. For beneficiaries seen off post, documentation will be sent to the patients’ primary care manager for inclusion in their medical records.
To schedule a vaccine appointment or for more information, contact the Town Center’s Medication Therapy Management office at 270.412.9926.
